December 16 2013

Another update from Hermana Hopkins!

Hello Hello from Pleasanton, Texas! My companion and I cover the land from Lytle to Floresville, Charlotte to Von Ormy, Poteet to Jourdanton, and everything in between! It sure is fun to be learning the southern "Texan" way. We really are our own country down here haha ;) I have been helping my companion learn English and it is funny to hear her stumble over words, we laugh together A LOT. She has helped me so much already to learn to just laugh! So I passed the road where we should have turned, big deal! I can't tell you how many times I have done that now! So I dropped my planner in the dirt and a truck drove over it and I searched for it in the dark, sure that's kinda frustrating for the two minutes that I thought it would be gone forever, but really that's hilarious!! I am learning to not stress over the dumb little things that really just are worthless to get anxiety over.

Yesterday I received a lot of personal revelation, it was so much that it felt like a mento had just been dropped in a bottle of coke and the fizz was rushing through at a meter0breaking velocity. I couldn't write it all down! I am afraid that I will forget it all!

Here is an excerpt of the weekly email that we received from our Mission President. I think it applies greatly to church members as well as missionaries. I liked how he worded it and so I will include it here for you to apply it to your own lives and wards, "In the Church, we do not correct upwards. We practice the principle of receiving correction. However, a humble leader will always seek correction and counsel at appropriate times from those he or she leads. If you feel an overwhelming desire to correct a district leader or zone leader, then call the mission president to discuss your concerns." Instead of "mission president" we can, as members, always seek guidance from our Heavenly Father. Practicing receiving correction is a very useful tool in becoming more humble. Talking bad about leaders is also a very fast way to destroy trust and shoo away the Spirit.

This week we visited an inactive member that explained that she doesn't come to church because of what some other church members did and said. The scripture in Doctrine and Covenants directed towards Joseph Smith came to my mind. "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" We sometimes think or feel that we have experienced so much or been offended so horribly that we can justify our actions or choices by the faults of others. In that moment standing in front of this woman, whose choice to back away from the church had denied herself countless blessings and health and that of her children and grandchildren as well, I was reminded that no one has suffered greater pain than our Savior Jesus Christ and none of us have a reason great enough to deny His Sacrifice that He made for us. By doing so we are saying in our hearts "I have suffered more than the Savior and therefore I choose not to accept his blessings and I deny others of those blessings as well because I choose to hold on to my pain instead of let His love cleanse me." Obviously this is rather devastating.

Let's choose to not hold on to offenses. Let's choose to love and forgive and to serve like our Savior taught us. When someone says something that makes me feel like I have to defend myself, I need to serve them and pray for  their good and well-being. I pray for this sister that she and her family can let go of the hurt and come back, feel the spirit, and be uplifted! 

We have many investigators right now, and most of them are family members of church members. We talked to the Branch President in the Spanish Branch and he helped us to know the situation of some of the families so that we can work more effectively instead of like confused monkeys. We now have a better idea of who is who and how we can help. There are a lot of people that are prepared here to accept the gospel. There are countless people here that have come to church a number of times and could be baptized anytime they want. The thing is that we don't have sufficient miles or time to visit one end of our area to another to teach them all they need to know, so it takes some time. They are going to be splitting our area in two soon so that should really help because there are so many people living in the middle of no where on their farms and ranches.

I did receive the package! I am opening one present every day till Christmas cause I counted them and it works out perfectly if I do that. Thank you for the lipstick and the batteries and the ballet slippers!! I was just thinking yesterday that I would love to go back to dancing after the mission and I have been starting to wear lipstick haha so it's perfect! I hope you are all excited for Christmas :) My favorite part of the package was the card with the picture. I carried the picture around with me to show others cause I love you all so much :)

Just so you know, I am doing great on medicine, no worries on that. People feed us almost everyday so we are well and fed. I am learning more and more Spanish and speak it the best when the Spirit is speaking and not me haha. I have food and shelter, clothing and love, the Gospel and my Savior, I have truly got it all.

I got a haircut last week. It is just trimmed so don't freak out haha. Also I learned hot to make corn tortillas at a authentic Mexican fiesta for the Spanish Branch Christmas Activity. Oh also we helped a member pack and move and her son who is 3 years old purposed to me haha... I said "you are a little young for me, sorry bud" he is hilarious. Also I tried on a army helmet and vest from an old veteran who says he is crazy but really he is just super witty :) And maybe a little crazy haha. Also we went and gave old people in the nursing home presents and sang to them. They are so cute. And also I hope I never have to go to a nursing home. Here are some pictures to enjoy :) I love you all and pray for you! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hermana Hopkins

December 9th 2013

Late updates from Hermana Hopkins!

This week has been good, but rough. I have really been missing the people in Eagle Pass. Ruben will be baptized soon by his brother who is coming in town. Ramiro keeps going to church from what I heard. A young girl named Andrea we were teaching in Austin a while back got baptized and I got to talk to her on the phone, that was awesome. I don't get to see a lot of the baptisms that happen... Heavenly seems to move me just before it happens. There are a lot of missionaries that have a lot of baptisms, but maybe that's just cause they are who those people need to help them step into the waters of baptism. Maybe it's cause I would get prideful if I had a lot of baptisms. I don't know. But I know that I'm getting a little lazy. I don't like to admit it but it is true. One excommunicated member told me to find the truth and let her know when I found it. She told us that we should just teach the doctrine like good little missionaries should because of a bad experience she had with a missionary in the past and then continued by asking me my opinion...??? Are you kidding me? People forget that we are people too! I wanted to just close her mouth and open her ears and her eyes. It's so simple! We have to LIVE the Gospel. Read, pray, go to church. Those things are so easy to do but so easy NOT to do so that is where Satan snares so many. He is a meany head I decided. That sister is reading but not to find truth. She is praying, but not to know the will of God. And she does not go to church. Please never never never never never stop going to church. It is an outward expression to God that we love Him. That is how we show Him that we care. By keeping the commandments and living the Gospel. How interesting is it that it happens to bless us on the way! Don't believe me? Try it. That is how I feel about all these people that say they will come to church but don't. Or those that say they pray and know they are saved but reject us or the invitation to learn more. It frustrating. But that is the life of a missionary. Also the member we are living with wants us to move out. Baah. I wonder if all of this is happening because of something I have done or not done. All I know is that I'm not a perfect. Just because I'm a missionary, just because I'm a Mormon, just because I try to be like Christ, doesn't mean that I don't have faults or get frustrated or get sad. I know that this Church is true and that Christ lives! I know that the Book of Mormon is true! I'm sorry that this is more like a journal entry, but maybe it will help yall to understand how I really am feeling right now haha. I truly do love being a missionary and I love this work, I just get frustrated sometimes.

I love you all! I hope you are happy and finding joy in the journey!

Ally Hopkins (the frustrated yet faithful Sister Missionary)

Transfer! December 2nd 2013

Transfer time again! See the side bar for Hermana Hopkins's updated address.

I am thankful for our Savior. I am thankful for God and that even though we sometimes forget about Him, He NEVER forgets about us. We are His purpose and His children. The whole reason the earth was made was for us! The plan of Salvation was made for us! All for us because He loves us and wants us to have all that He has. I am grateful that even though I don't understand or know a lot that He continues to work with me and have patience for my stubbornness and pride. I am grateful that He gave you to me! I love you so much and want to work hard to show you and to show Him that I am truly grateful.

Don't worry about the packages, they will get to me eventually. The new sisters in Eagle Pass know exactly where I'm at and can always send up the packages to the meetings in San Antonio. If you would like to send any packages you can always send them to the mission office and I will be sure to get them. That address is...

404 E Ramsey Rd Ste 105

San Antonio, TX 78216

My new address is...

810 Sutton St

Pleasanton, TX 78064

I don't have access to Facebook yet by the way.

Well I know you are just dying to know where I am at haha... I am now in Pleasanton! This area that I cover is huge... We cover Pleasanton, Jordanton, Floresville, Charlotte, Leming, Poteet, and everything in between. We are just 25 miles south of San Antonio. Everyone has said that this area is the Promised Land because there are usually a lot of baptisms. I set a goal to find and baptize 10 people this month. I know that the Lord has been preparing many people that will be baptized this transfer. My new companion (Sister Rodriguez Siliezar) and I are the only missionaries here covering the English Ward AND the Spanish Branch. It's pretty different! There are white people everywhere!! I used to be over two small branches with 6 other missionaries but here we are the only ones covering both. Church was a little scary haha (not really, I was just nervous) because I had become accustomed to Mexicans and Hispanics and it was a little strange to go back to English and a whole ward! I love my companion. She is from El Salvador and has been learning English here on her mission. She has a brother on a mission in Dallas as well. I went on an exchange with her once when I was in the Lake Austin ward so it is cool to see her again and get to work with her :) She is such a hard worker and I love her already!

We also live with a member, that is pretty different because I feel as though we are pretty much confined to our room. The woman we live with is about 80 yrs old and can't hear well which is good because otherwise I would feel bad for all the noise we make.

I am sorry that I am so horrible at writing back... I hardly ever write to more people that just you because after reading your letter and the one from President Slaughter I have to respond to him and you and I only have an hour and I read slow and type slow haha. But please tell Elizabeth that I love her and have not forgotten her.

Sister Vankatwyk, my last companion, went home on Wednesday, she changed my perspective on a lot of things.

Ruben cried when we had our last lesson with him on Monday. I almost cried too but I had already cried the night before and didn't want to do it again. I cry because I truly love the people that I teach. It is something about seeing them change that makes me care so much for them... That is where that scripture comes into play, "How great will be your joy with the soul that repenteth." ( I don't know it exactly word for word but you know which one I'm talking about haha). I love seeing others repent and become better. It fills me with joy! I love repenting too! Because I told Ruben that I wouldn't bite my nails if he quit smoking, which he hasn't actually done yet, I haven't bitten my nails in two weeks! They are so long I can hardly stand it! I have been filing them and painting them so that I don't get tempted haha.

We are at the Jordanton Library and I can't send pictures here. Nor can I send that at the Pleasanton Library... so I will send any pictures by physical mail! But that doesn't mean that you can't send me pictures through email haha :)

I love you! Hope all is well! Happy Thanksgiving and Marry Christmas Season!

Hermana Hopkins

November 25th 2013

Yet another late update, Enjoy anyways though ^.^

We just sang that song this morning for companionship study! Except it was in Spanish haha. Tengo gozo en mi alma hoy. It translates "I have joy in my soul today." It's true! I do have joy in my soul today! It has been pretty cold here recently and I have LOVED it!

Yesterday Ramiro Gutierrez got baptized! I feel like he is my son even though he is 30 years old haha. He is so sweet!! I have included a picture for you all :)

I am being transferred! I am going to an English/Spanish area and will be the senior companion but I won't find out where until thursday. I will let you know where I am at next week! I am sad to leave the wonderful people here but I know that they will be taken care of. I cried when I found out that I would be leaving. I always cry haha. I know that Ruben will be baptized. I also know that Marylou will be baptized. We went to the San Antonio Temple on Saturday and I saw some members from Lake Austin (my first area). I was overjoyed to see them. I know that was a tender mercy from the Lord. I know that this church is true!

Until next week!

p.s. thank you for the letters! and the pictures! :)

Hna Hopkins

November 18th 2013

Here's this weeks email (last weeks). Enjoy

Hey Mom! 

I love you! I am in San Antonio right now because Elder Golden of the Seventy is going to be speaking to our mission tomorrow. We came up last night because Sister Vankatwyk has a meeting today. So I am on an exchange with Sister Arche and Sister Richardson. It was a bit of a culture shock to drive in to San Antonio last night and see the big buildings and lights compared to the small town feel of Eagle Pass. 

Yesterday at church I sang with one of the Elders for the Spanish Branch and also with all the missionaries in the English Branch. Ramiro came to church again for the third time and he is going to be baptized on Sunday! Also Ruben came to church for the first time and talked about how he wants to change and how he prayed on his knees for the first time in his life this week. He is truly pregressing. He just has to let go of smoking. I told him I would stop biting my nails if he would stop smoking... I have kept my end of the bargain so far but it hasn't been easy! I catch myself with my fingers in my mouth at times but always think of him and how he has to stop! He may not be trying as hard as I am but I am learning how to stop a bad habit and also my nails look better! Haha :) 

Aroldo came to church as well. I realized just how much the area has flourished since Sis Vankatwyk has been here. I am nervous for when she goes home next week because she is a great missionary and has made a real difference in Eagle Pass. I hope I can keep it up after she is gone!

Sorry I couldn't write more... on this exchange since I'm not in Eagle Pass I can't even get mylaundry done today haha, I'll have to catch up later. But know that I love you!

Hna Hopkins

November 11 2013

Late update again, but here's the previous email.

This week has been a miracle! I love being a missionary! I love waking up and knowing that I am where my Heavenly Father wants me to be. I love repenting and becoming better everyday so that I can serve those around me better! Yesterday we went to go eat dinner at La Familia Flores y hablamos con Carlos, el hijo quien va salir para la mision en 9 dias. El pinto estas pinturas y me recordaron de tu! Mi mama! El tiene mucho talento, verdad??? 

Oh family and friends, how I love you. How I wish I could just help you see the blessings that God has given us all! If you remembered always the blessings that He has given us you would never have time to frown or be discouraged. Sometimes when I am sad I have to just say thank you to God instead of ask for help with everything because I have noticed that when I have an attitude of gratitude that I am happier! Yes, I still ask for help and strength, but giving thanks for what I already have and the miracles I have seen during the day helps me to change from sad to happy in an instant.

We have taught both Reuben and Ramiro every day this week. Reuben said the other day something wonderful that made me smile. He was talking about tithing and how God has given us so much that 10% is nothing! I was like, "Yeah! You are so right!" What we give God is truly nothing. We are simply returning what is already His. Ramiro can't read so we have been giving him short verses to study each day. He has come to church twice and has made some good friends at church. We want to involve the rest of his family though! 

We go on exchanges once a week because Hermana Vankatwyk is a Sister Training Leader (just like Hna Alfaro was) and so I get to be with a different Sister once a week. It's fun to teach together and continue to find those who are prepared. I am learning to have fun and not be a robot haha :) I still do all I can to be exactly obedient. I love the commandments :)

We are also teaching a couple named Eulalia and Aroldo. Aroldo came to church yesterday with his cousin, Frank, who is a member and Aroldo said he wants to come back and continue to learn. I love hearing that people want to keep learning. This man used to be a drunk and was very catholic but the Lord has been preparing him so that now he has the opportunity to change his life and receive the blessings of the gospel.

I love the Lord. I know that this is His Church. I know that He is the only way to eternal life. It is by His word and His way that we can return to live with God, not our own preferences or opinions. He is the way.

P.s. I know you don't know her but I just wanted to say that I love Hna Sanchez and will always have a place for her in my heart. I am grateful for the members here, Hna Arreola, Hna Sanchez, Hna Diaz Gonzalez, and countless others, that have helped me to feel loved. I hope I can help others feel that way too.

I love all of my companions and I love my leaders. I am excited to visit them and chat again someday :)

Hermana Hopkins

November 2nd 2013

Super late update, but here we go!

 I havea new companion! SHe looks exactly like me! Haha, there are a
 lot of border patrol workers here and yesterday a man stopped us while
 we were walking down the street and told us how he knew we must be lds
 because we are two white girls and we stick out like a sore thumb
 haha. I laughed. I love the culture here and the people. I love
 speaking Spanish too. Most missionaries in this mission don't get to
 stay in Spanish areas for long but the Lord has showered blessings
 upon me, I'm not sure why or how this mercy was obtained but I have
 only been in Spanish areas and I have been truly blessed by it. My
 companion, who will be returning home after this last transfer as her
 mission ends, has been praying to come to the border and is finally
 here! I have been helping her with her spanish and have realized just
 how blessed I have been.

 This week we came across a family that has been taught by the
 missionaries off and on for YEARS. There are teaching records that we
 keep to keep track of what they have been taught and this family was
 taught over 7 years ago. They haven't been baptized yet because they
 just have the hardest time getting to church. We taught them all, the
 father, mother, 3 girls, and 3 boys, and even the fiance of one of the
 daughters together at their table this last week and commited them to
 come to church. The father prayed, to start the lesson, that they
 could come to church and be baptized. It was a miracle lesson and they
 are a miracle family. But... they did not come to church. We went over
 last night to see what happened and they said they were up till 4am!
 We are going to help them next Sunday to have everything prepared the
 night before and see if that helps, but I think when it comes right
 down to it we all have to realize that our choices and actions have
 eternal consequences. That is something I realized. Why is it so
 important to go to church? Why is that so important to God? WEll, if
 we can't make and keep commitments, how will we be in making and
 keeping covenants with God? We go to church for many reasons, but I
 think it has to come from within to actually get there. To realize
 that it is what God wants us to do and do it.

 Here are some great pictures for you!

 I love you all!

 Hna Ally Hopkins

The Pass of Eagles... Still here in Eagle Pass!

Here's this past weeks update from Hermana Hopkins!!

So transfer calls were yesterday and I'll be staying in Eagle Pass for another six weeks at least! Sister Salisbury is heading out though! I am going to be a junior companion and my new companion will be a Sister Training Leader again! Sis Alfaro was a Sister Training Leader too. I am excited to be a junior companion haha, Sis Salisbury questions me a lot and I don't like feeling like I have to stand up for my ideas all the time so it will be nice to just be able to support a senior companions ideas and learn from her. I'll find out who she is when she gets here on Wednesday! I thought I would like being a senior companion better but it is a lot of pressure, the newer missionary is watching everything that you do... I think its a psychological thing... By the way, I don't think I'll be continuing that as my major when I return. I don't know what I will do, but I don't think I want to do that anymore haha. 

So I still speak Spanish everyday, so fun! There are so many different accents though, a woman spoke in church yesterday and I couldn't understand a word she said... but then her husband spoke after her and I understood perfectly. The different states in Mexico have different cultures and accents so your ear just has to get used to the different accents in order to understand haha.

None of our investigators came to church this week. Or conference last week. Or the baptism that was on Saturday. I am learning that the numbers don't alwas mean that I am an unsucessful missionary but it still feels like it sometimes. We are trying to work more with members but since the two branches are so small and there are 4 sets of missionaries that cover the two branches it can be pretty rough. There are only two active families from the Spanish branch in our area (one being the branch president) and about 4 or 5 in the English branch (one being the other branch president). We are working hard though.

Well, It's time to go again, but here is a picture or two for you all to enjoy! I hope all is well back at home. I would love to receive any and all of your conversion stories and how you came to know that the church was true. Also I would love to know who would like me to write them a letter! I am behind but I am catching up! So if you haven't gotten a letter from me you should be receiving one soon, if not, let me know and I will write you one as soon as I can!

I love you all!

Hermana Hopkins

Busy Times

So I'm a bit behind with Hermana Hopkins's Emails. This is last weeks letter

 A family was baptized yesterday that the Elders have been teaching and it was so awesome. I got to help them go down into the font and watch the baptism from there since there was a mom and a daughter. It was so special.

With Conference coming up we have been starting a lot of conversations with how we have a living Prophet. Yesterday a man opened the door, looked at us as though we were the strangest creatures, and then when we mentioned a living prophet he said he didn't believe that it was possible and closed the door. As we walked away I was reminded of how grateful I am for the knowledge that we have that our Heavenly Father STILL loves us, just like in ancient times, and that He STILL reveals His secrets to His servants. I am grateful for a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson. I am so excited to hear him and the twelve apostles speak this weekend! I encourage all of you to take good notes and write down a question before hand that you have for our Father in Heaven. I know that He will answer you.

Thank you for your prayers. I have been very healthy all week :) Although my clothes seem to be shrinking... ;) I just hold on to the hope that when my mission is finished that this extra weight will be lost again haha.

I received all your wonderful letters :D I will be doing my best to write you back today. Being a missionary is a miraculous thing. My body somehow has the energy to be very busy all day without falling over but when it comes to 10:30 I'm out like a light. I get 8 hours of sleep every night. I know just from that proof alone that anything is possible when we give our all to God.

Sylvia and Bianca came to church yesterday!! Wow, I was so happy... Sylvia said a week ago that she wanted to come to our church and bring her granddaughters (Kayli and Chloe) but that she doesn't want us to baptize her. Haha I just kind of laughed and told her she is always welcome. We taught Sylvia and Bianca about following the prophet on Saturday after a month of not being able to teach them (Sarah got kicked out for drinking again and wrecking Sylvia's car, and Bianca had moved to Udessa (wherever that is)). They committed to come to church and actually followed through this time! We have another lesson with them tonight and I am excited.

I hope you all know that I am grateful for you. When I feel like giving up I think first of what God might think of me and then of all that you have done to help me be here. I not only don't want to disappoint my Father in Heaven but also I don't want to waste your hard work and support. Thank you for all that you do.

Hermana Hopkins

September 23rd 2013

Here's this past weeks update from Hermana Hopkins! Don't forget to write or email her.

Mom/Family,

Oh how I love you. Oh how I love this work!

Sometimes I get grumpy and I am a sour puss to my companion. That is no fun. Today I woke up and decided to be happy! It is a decision! I didn't come to this world to sulk and to drag my feet. I didn't come to the mission to pout and to be discouraged by all those who don't keep their commitments or don't even answer the door. Today I am happy! I am full of energy and ready to go! I have strength in my arms and legs, my mind and my spirit, and I truly know that if God commanded me to do all things, I could do them!

This week we haven't taught quite as much as normal weeks. The mission has been trying to focus our efforts are finding through members... When I think about doing that I start to get discouraged... But it is possible! My companion used to say "That is hard," or "This is so hard," all the time. I got so tired of it one day that I told her to try saying "It's possible!" instead. I have found myself saying "It's possible!" a lot haha.

We found Diana last week and taught her... but we haven't been able to find her since. We went back to her house probably 4 times now but she is never there. Her mother in law, Mercedes, was there and we talked to her about her family here in eagle pass. She told us about her grandson and granddaughter that lived close so we decided to go visit them. We went to her granddaughters address and it was actually the same as someone that we had a miracle first lesson with about a month ago! The thing with her is that we were never able to find her again either... But she was there! Everyone is related to everyone in the Mexican culture. Your grandma and your aunt and your brother and your niece all live on the same street and the rest of your family lives in Mexico. That's just how it is! They love family, its the most important thing to a lot of these people. The family really is SO important. That is our base and our starting point on the board! We should be able to find peace and refuge at home, love and understanding, support and laughs, all underneath our own roof. Serving in Spanish areas has been one of the biggest blessings that our Heavenly Father has given me. I have been able to see the example of family unity so much. When a family is built on the Gospel of Jesus Christ the success and well-being is so much greater. I studied about the Abrahamic Covenant this week, we have a big responsibility to love and nurture our family members and then to share the Gospel truths with everyone else! This morning I studied about what a covenant is. It is an agreement, God makes the terms of that agreement and we choose to either accept or reject it. God will always keep His promises and is perfectly consistant. He is also perfectly patient. The blessings promised to us when we keep our end of the bargain are infintly greater than whatever we promised to do ourselves.

I am grateful that I worship my God and my Father. I am grateful that I know that he is real and he is a man of flesh and bone. I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.

Why would I not want to share all of that and all the blessings I enjoy with every single other person on this planet???

Share your testimonies, invite someone you know and love to be able to enjoy that same blessings that you do.

I love you. Keep going and never never never never never leave the church!

Hermana Hopkins

This Week in Eagle Pass

Really late update this time. Sorry everyone!

Hello there,

I was sick the last two days but there were miracles even still. Yesterday I got up the energy to shower and we went to two houses. One was an investigator that is a 12 year old girl. Her mom is a member but is not active and is not very supportive. We went to visit and the mom and the young girl said that they wanted to go to a different church instead... We aren't really sure what happened and the mom left the house before we could talk about it and we can't be there without the mom so we had to leave... it was sad. My companion started to think of all the things that they could have been feeling and thinking. I got upset because she always says out loud what these people were probably feeling and what they will probably do. Only God knows those things! I don't know what the problem is there but I know that the more I try and stress about it the more stressed I get. All we can do sometimes is keep going and leave it up to the Lord. The next house we went to they let us in and the daughter in law of the woman we went to visit stayed in the room to hear us. We taught them both about the restoration and challenged them to be baptized. The daughter in law, Diana, said that she would be baptized with such  confident yes that I was almost surprised! The mom did not commit to it though but said that she liked learning. Diana said that she needed this right now because she cries everyday about her husband who passed away about a year ago. She wanted to know about what happens to spirits after we die. We taught her about the Spirit world and the Spirit touched her heart.

These experiences help me to know that the Lord is very active in His work. The Spirit is the teacher. We can only invite. There really are people prepared to accept this message!

Hermana Hopkins

Lessons to Learn

Not sure how to edit this one (the stuff meant for family) But it got sent as is to others. So here's her whole letter.

I am so glad that you learned so much. You have been an anchor in my life and I am so grateful that you have such a strong relationship with the Savior. It is sometimes sad to meet people out here that don't have that.

Yes I did receive the package. I received it on the 24th so it took exactly one month from the time that you wrote/sent it to the time that I received it. But don't worry, I was able to get a small 10 day supply out here and was taken care of. The last pill was used on the day that I received your package :) Little tender mercies like this one help and comfort me to know that everything is going to be okay, God is in charge.Our loving and merciful Father is in charge.

I sent a letter to Andrew last week so he should have received it in time before moving to a different place. I am glad that he asked that question because it shows that he really has a desire to know. I was thinking just the other day and pondering, are my siblings saying their own personal prayers? I used to pray before my mission but it was always in my bed as I fell asleep. Now I pray on my knees every morning and every night. I don't fall asleep in the middle of my prayers that way and it is also showing respect. I challenge you and each of the kids to say your morning and night time personal prayers on your knees every day. Will you do that? I know that when we pray with sincerity and respect that our Heavenly Father is pleased with us and blesses us to be able to have more inner peace and protection from Satan's sneaky tricks. This is something that has greatly blessed me and that is why I thought of it for you, I want blessings for you too.

I would love more pictures :) Especially of family. You and the kids, everyone. I love you all so deeply.

I am learning to not be afraid of what others might think. Also that being bold is the only way to share the truth. People don't like to hear us beat around the bush. Yes, this is Christ's only true church on the earth today. Yes, we do believe that we have a living prophet. Yes, we do believe that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. No, we do not believe in the Virgin Mary. No, we do not go shopping on Sunday. No, we do not drink coffee or alcohol. Yes, we are different.
Sometimes I get frustrated by what some people say to us but then I have to calm myself down and remember to do what Christ would do and say what he would say. I am not Ally Hopkins right now, I am Sister Hopkins, a representative of Jesus Christ. The other day an investigator says she respects our cult but doesn't believe what we have to say unless it is in the Bible. I almost didn't hear what she said... Cult? Haha I just kind of didn't know what to say or do... We have been over to share with her about 5 times now and she still thinks we worship Joseph Smith. That is the point when we have to realize that some people are just not ready to open their hearts and ears. We have to move on and find those who are ready to listen and really ask God what HE wants for them. These people do exist! There are people who are prepared and ready to hear the message of the restored Gospel because they truly want to do the Lord's will. Sometimes I think of how difficult it must be to believe a missionary without any background on the Gospel. But that is why the Spirit is so important. Our words don't and can't convince people. We all have agency. The Spirit is the teacher. If not, gospel truths can not be truly learned or understood. The Spirit speaks to us through the still and peaceful feelings we receive. We must remove all other distractions, thoughts, sounds or whatever they may be, in order to recognize the promptings of the Spirit. It is not a loud voice and crying is not always evidence of the Spirit. But it is a peace and a calm that comes from God. "Be still and know that I am God." Doctrine and Covenants 101:16

I promise you that as you pray daily you will be able to recognize the Spirit more in your life, every single day.

I love you and I know that the Lord is watching over you. I know that He lives and that He is our Savior and Redeemer.

Hermana Alexandria Hopkins

Breathe

Here's a late update from Hermana Hopkins. Updates will be a bit late for the next few weeks. As always, Enjoy reading and be sure to write Hermana Hopkins!

Last Monday my companion helped me make a CD with all Mormon Tabernacle Choir songs. This is my favorite. I have had so many more opportunities to sing for others. Music can bring the Spirit immediately or it can chase it away immediately. It is a very powerful tool. Be careful to the music you listen to. Ask yourself, does it help you feel and invite the Spirit, or is it driving him away?

This week has been so much better as far as teaching. We taught four lessons on Friday on an exchange. The Sister Training Leader joined me in Eagle Pass while my companion went to Del Rio for the day. One of the pictures I sent is with us and the Mexican flag waving in the background. So cool!

I am learning more and more every single day. The reality of the men whose stories are in the Book of Mormon. They really lived, I know that they did! Also what it means to be a member of this church. This is Christ's church! It is not the church of Moses, the church of Mormon, or the church of Saint John or any other man. This is the Church of Jesus Christ. We are His saints when we follow Him. And that makes this the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Gospel will never be taken away again and there will not be another Apostasy. Christ will come again and He will come to His church. Will we be there when He comes? We do not know when it will be, but it is soon. Alma chapter 5 helps us to know if we are prepared for that day or not.

I have learned a lot about attitude lately. A positive attitude changes EVERYTHING. I love my mission. I loved the MTC. I love my companion. I love my family. I love my Savior. I love my Father in Heaven.

Hermana Hopkins

Miracles

Here's this past weeks update from Hermana Hopkins!

This week has been another week of pure miracles. Jorge, our investigator in my last area in Austin, was baptized and confirmed this last weekend. I am sad that I missed it but Sis Alfaro will be sending me pictures that I will send to you when I receive them.

We received a referral from the Elders of a man named Joey. We went to his house and parked the car across the street. I saw a little boy in the yard of the house we parked in front of and he saw me. He looked at us confused, wondering who we were and why we had just parked in front of his house. We said our prayer that we always say before we leave the car and when we opened our eyes the boy had gone to get his mother. His mom was stainding on the porch looking at us, trying to figure out who we were. We got out and said hello and we joined her on her porch. She invited us to sit down and we taught her about the Restoration... We invited her to baptism and she accepted. Her name is Mercedes and she expressed to us that she has been asking God where He wants her to go and what He wants her to do. She said she knew that we were sent from Him.

The next day we returned to the house of a woman who we had met a few days earlier who had invited us in when we knocked on her door. Her name is Lety. We brought a member, Sis Olivares, and when we got there we found out that they actually work together. That was definitely not a coincidence. We taught Lety the Restoration and invited her and she too accepted to be baptized on September 7th. She said that when we walked up to her door the first day she knew that she had to let us in. She wants to share this with her family and she is so excited to have us back. She also had gone to the store and bought us each a small rose bush, she is so sweet.

That night we went over to Sarah's house again. We taught her and her sister, Bianca, and her mom, Sylvia, th message of the Restoration. We invited them to baptism as well. They accepted. All but Sylvia anyway, she believes firmly in the Virgin Mary. But she still likes to sit in on the lessons. Lest night we returned and taught Bianca and Sarah again, this time about the Plan of Salvation. They both said that they prayed about what we had said the time before and that they are still waiting to receive their answers, but that they really are praying about it. I love to hear when people are praying about what we have taught because it is a sign of true desire to know. Also it shows me that they have faith in their Heavenly Father and in prayer.

I know that this week will be filled with miracles as well. Our schedule is already full of lessons back to back for today, tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday. We sometimes forget to add in time to eat! I love the Lord's work and I know I am privelegded to be here serving our Heavenly Father's children and learning so much.

Thank you for your prayers, I can feel the power and the Spirit that comes from so many praying for me. I know that this Church is true and that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that Repentance is real and it works. I know that our Savior lived, suffered, died, and lives again, all for US. I know that families can be together forever. I know that Thomas S Monson is the Prophet today and that the Priesthood really is God's power and authority and that we have it here on the earth today.

Stay true, stay faithful.

Love, 

Hermana Hopkins

August 8th 2013

Here's another update from Hermana Hopkins! Looks like she's included some pictures this time as well!

Have you been to the temple recently? You ought to go, I wish I could go so badly... It's so peaceful there.

I cut my bangs, but thats it. You should be very very happy with me because all this long hair in the hottest time of the year in southern Texas is like showering in your own sweat with a fur coat on haha. I have been having the greatest experiences :)

My companion is so wonderful. She is happy and honest and kind. She is a great example to me.

This area has been rough to be honest. The missionaries before me were not exactly obedient and it has been awkward to tell members that we can't do things that they used to do... Like giving members rides even if they can drive, chatting instead of teaching while at the homes of others, or teaching people outside our assigned area. The Lord has organized his work in his way for his purposes. These things have been outlined by the Mission President as well but the missionaries before me had their own way of doing things. A couple members have gotten annoyed with how we are trying to follow the rules and how I am not like the really cool and fun missionary that they had before me. But I keep holding on to what I have learned over and over during these 6 months of my mission. Obedience brings blessings, but EXACT obedience brings MIRACLES. This area needs MIRACLES. All the doors have been knocked before. Everyone seems to have heard already and doesn't want to hear it again. I would say "That's fine, we will just work with less actives and strengthen the branches here," but there is a set of missionaries here that is specifically over all the less actives. Our job is to find, teach, and baptize. So, with that, we have to find people. That isn't going to come through blessings alone, these people need miracles. These two small branches need miracles. And the way I see it is if I will be liked less or not thought of as "the cool missionary" then so be it. I have been learning a lot about Christ lately. I started "Jesus the Christ" this morning and have committed to read that in any small amount of spare time that I may have as I still will be focusing on the Scriptures and Preach my Gospel. But I want to get to know my Savior better.

We taught a woman named Gabby but she feels like all we talk about is Joseph Smith. I looked down at the table while she said that to us the other day and looked at the puzzle that we had brought... it was compiled of only pictures of the Savior. I couldn't understand how she could think that we were focusing on Joseph Smith when all the pictures right there in front of her were of Christ. It was rather bothersome for me and that is what made me want to study more about the Savior. How would the Savior teach Gabby? How would the Savior treat her? What would he say to her to help her believe and have her faith grow?

I often think about what I can do better to be a better missionary or what the Lord expects of me in this new area. I am sure I will continue to learn and grow. I never stop learning. 

I love you all. More than you know.

Hermana Hopkins

July 29th 2013

Here's this past weeks letter. I just got it so sorry for the late post >.< Make sure to write Ally at her new address!

I am here on the border now! I got into the car and left from Austin to go to San Antonio on Wednesday for a training meeting, since I am training a new missionary, and I was in the training meeting for literally 5 minutes when the Elders from the Border came in saying it was time to go! The mission President said to me, "Well, good luck Sister! The Lord has a lot of trust in you, and so do I." I then got in the van with the rest of the missionaries (about 9 total from the entire San Antonio Mission) to head down a few hours to do the border. In the van they let us know where we were going and who our companions would be. My companion is Sister Salisbury from a little town called Fishers, Indiana. I am in Eagle Pass, Texas! Mexico is literally only 2 short miles from our apartment. We drove to one of our less active member's houses and on the way we drove past a street where you simply looked down and saw center of the Mexican city called Piedras Niegras. How cool is that!

For any letters, our address is...

2295 Veterans Blvd #9

Eagle Pass, TX 78852

This area is an English/Spanish area so instead of only teaching Spanish speakers like in my last area, we get to teach both. It was rather strange to be in Sacrament in English yesterday because I haven't been to English sacrament in almost 5 months! We cover two branches, the English and the Spanish branch, and they are both pretty small. There was about 7 sisters in Relief Society in the English branch yesterday... There area lot of members but most are inactive or less active. It makes me really sad to hear why people don't come to church or have fallen away. I know that we have to stay faithful and endure to the end. Not only have faith but have hope. Without hope there is only despair.

Yesterday we got out of our car to visit a less active member and her neighbor was outside. My companion approached her and asked if we could talk to her for a moment. To my great surprise the woman said "Sure" and invited us into her home. We sat down and got to know her and her grand kids a little bit. Her daughter came out and sat down as well... I was surprised because usually people don't let us talk to them, let alone invite us inside, and they especially don't all gather around to listen. I was in awe as we spoke with them and let the Spirit guide this time that we had with them. The daughter, Sarah, is a heroin addict. She and her two daughters live with her mother and are Catholic. We are going back tonight to teach them about the Restoration. This first lesson with them was completely guided by the Spirit and I know that they felt it. I love seeing the Spirit work in others and touch their hearts, testifying that we are sent from God to help and serve them.

I love you all.

Transfers!

Here's this past weeks email from Hermana Hopkins!

We get transfer calls on Sunday nights letting us know if we are training or not, moving areas or staying, or if we are going to the border. That call is to prepare us for the transfer meeting on Thursday. So I found out last night that I will be training another Sister and going to THE BORDER! At first I was sad because I am going to miss all the wonderful people that I have met... But I am excited to go to the border. It is basically "the coveted area" cause our mission has English and Spanish areas so all the Spanish called missionaries want to go down there. I am truly blessed. On Wednesday I will make my way down to the border of Mexico and Texas and meet my new companion and find out exactly what area I will be in haha. I will be missing the baptism of one of our investigators though :( His name is Jorge, he is so cool. It has been so cool to see the changes that he has been making in his life. He is the man on the left between us Sisters in the last picture that I have attached with us four standing awkwardly.

There is a picture there of Jonathon as well, the first real investigator who I got to teach. We went back to visit him and he hasn't been reading the Book of Mormon at all. I was sad to hear that. But it was great to see him again.

I hope you enjoy the photos :) I love and adore these people and I am excited to meet more and more wonderful people on the Border for the next 6 weeks or more!

Hermana Hopkins

July 15th

Here's this weeks update!!!

I don't really know how to help or what to say about all the things that you are having to go through right now... but one scripture popped in to my head. It's in Doctrine and Covenants when the Lord is speaking to Joseph Smith and says, "Thou art not yet as Job, thy friends do stand by thee." The fifth part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is Enduring to the End. I am learning how to not only endure, but to ENJOY. We were sent here to earth to be happy and to learn. We knew what challenges we accepted and we agreed to those terms. The great thing about all of this is that Heavenly Father is in charge. He knows what is best and he will help us if we ask him and have faith. Part of faith is action. If we know something is right but we don't do it, how can we expect to be truly blessed?

What is prayer?

Prayer is the communication that we are privileged to have with our Heavenly Father. He has provided us a way that we may contact Him at anytime. He has sent us from home for only a short time, but we will return again. We will live this world with the same faith and the same knowledge that we have obtained in this life. We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. When we understand that relationship our prayers become more meaningful and more natural. When we pray we must pray with the intent to receive answers and do what those answers say to do. If not we are not submitted our will to God's and we need to humble ourselves. It takes a lot of humility to actually do what we mean when we say, "Okay Heavenly Father, I'm going to give up all my wants and dreams so that I can do what YOU want me to do." 

The more I learn the more I realize how much I don't know. That statement applies with Gospel principles, learning Spanish, Life principles, and pretty much everything else as well.

On Saturday I saw an investigator of the other missionaries in our ward get baptized. The man's name is Luis and I took plenty of pictures haha. I'm sure you can picture the smile that reached both of my ears as he was baptized and confirmed. This was the first baptism that I have been to here on the mission. I couldn't help but stare at the smile that Luis had on his face as he stood from the circle of priesthood holders who had confirmed him. He was so happy. 

We had Zone Conference two weeks ago where during lunch an Elder was looking for someone who could sing in the crowd of chatting missionaries... My companion pointed at me and said "Sister Hopkins can!" He had us walk over to the Mission President who then asked me to sing a song to start off the next meeting that would commence in 5 minutes.... Ha. I said yes. I sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" and afterwards everyone told me how great I did and how much they loved it. I felt really good and knew that the Lord wanted me to use my talent to bring the Spirit to the meeting. From that meeting everyone now knows that I sing haha. So from there my District leader asked me to sing at Luis's baptism an hour before it started just this last Saturday... and so I did. I sang "Baptism" in the Primary children's songbook in Spanish. The Bishop of my ward was there... and he told the Chorister of my ward and she asked me yesterday at church if I could sing in Sacrament next week... And so I said yes. Haha. So I will be singing in church on Sunday something in Spanish, memorized hopefully. It has been a privilege to be able to bear my testimony through singing. I think I will sing "I Stand All Amazed" but of course in Spanish it is "Asombro Me Da"

The Lord has shown me endless mercy. I can only try to be as merciful as He is. I am continually blessed. I am alive and safe. I am healthy and happy. I pray for the same for each and everyone of you. Sometimes random people come into my head and I think of how they are doing and say a prayer for them. For anyone that is reading this right now thinking, "I bet she doesn't even remember me or think of me," you are probably wrong. For anyone who is thinking "No one remembers or thinks of me," I KNOW that you are wrong. Our Heavenly Father continually watches over you and cares for you. He loves you with a love that is unconditional, perfect, merciful, and infinite. If He didn't love you He would not have sent you here. And if that sentence confuses you, read your scriptures, study about what your relationship is with your Heavenly Father and then PRAY. Talk with your Heavenly Father and then act in faith.

I apologize to those I didn't write back today, know that I love you all and will respond to your emails as soon as I can!

Con amor,

Hermena Hopkins

July 8th

It's time for more letters from Hermana Hopkins! It sounds like she's been busy.

We taught Jorge again, like three times this week actually. He wants his friend, who is a member of the church, to be there at his baptism... but she is out of town until the 2nd of August. So we have switched his baptismal date to the 3rd of August. He really is so awesome. I love being able to see the changes that he is making because he is understanding WHY it's important. He wears a nice white shirt and jeans to church every Sunday. This last week he came to church 15 minutes early to make sure he was there for the Sacrament. He understand that the Sacrament is the most important meeting of the week. He is happier, I can see it. I love that the Lord let's me see that. He has a smile on his face. He read all of 1 Nephi... that's right, up until Second Nephi, all within like 4 days. I was in wonder and awe haha. The church is true.

Andrea will still be baptized on the 20th of this month. She is the cutest. I love her and her family. Today we are going to teach her about the importance of Scripture study, Prayer, and Obedience.

We taught a man from Honduras two days ago named Norlan. He is like 22 yrs old. He plays soccer (just like most every latino young man that we meet) and works a lot. He told us that we he wakes up in the morning he wonders what his purpose is. We taught him about the Restoration and I got to tell him about the First Vision. I love telling the 1st Vision because I get to see their souls as I look them straight in the eyes and tell them what Joseph Smith saw. The reactions are usually pretty similar, sometimes people aren't really listening, some people don't believe it and think it's crazy, some say they believe it but it doesn't make a difference for them. But Norlan loved it. When I finished the 1st vision and paused to let the silence sink in he smiled and said "Wow... that's so cool..." He was in awe. I felt in that lesson that we will be baptized and be a strong member of the church one day. We invited him to be baptized and he said sure, he would just need to get work off haha. I try not to get too hopeful in these situations because I lot of people say "sure" to baptism and don't understand or care. But I have a feeling that he will be baptized soon. His faith is so strong. He trusts in the Lord and understands that everything happens for a reason. He said the closing prayer and asked if this all was true and for direction. I know he will find his answers if he listens.

I love the Lord's work. 

Hermana Hopkins

July 1 2013

It's that time again! Here's another letter from Hermana Hopkins!

Aaaawww that is so sad! Hmmm, that reminds me of a member in our ward that last her baby a few weeks ago. That was really hard for her. We visited her and the Relief Society did too. 

Concerning the heat... haha it has been in the triple digits all week and it will only get higher as I have heard. I got heat exhaustion myself a couple of days ago, I just need to drink more water. It really is a blessing though how the work is never interrupted. I think that the Lord really puts a bubble around His missionaries of protection. I hear about bad stuff happening around us and to other people but we are always safe. The Lord takes perfect care of us. Especially when we are obedient.

I went on my first Companion Exchange on Friday. Basically my companion is a Sister Training Leader and so she needs to go with other companionships every once in awhile. When our companionship was a trio, Sis
Lund and I would just stay on the area. But now that there are just the two of us I have to go spend a day with another companionship when Sis Alfaro needs to help/evaluate other Sisters. It was honestly shocking for me to see other missionaries not doing exactly what they should. I am soooooooooooooooooo grateful for an obedient companion. We have seen miracles in the work because of our obedience. Other missionaries ask us how we do what they do... In my head I just think "EXACT OBEDIENCE". I strive to live the white handbook to a T. I know that obedience brings blessings, but exact obedience brings miracles. And our investigators need miracles, so I am exactly obedient.

We are teaching Jorge, he will be baptized on the 20th of this month. He is a really chill guy who works a lot. He asked one of his friends in the ward yesterday if he would be willing to baptize him and of course he said yes. Jorge understands why it is so important to go to church every week. He knows that the Sacrament is where we renew our baptismal covenants and remember the Savior's sacrifice for us. We taught him at the church last night and just went over the Plan of Salvation since he has been taught before. He didn't say much and so the next lesson we are going to ask him some really inspired questions to get him to express his thoughts/concerns if he has any. 

We are also teaching Andrea. She is 9 and will also be baptized on the 20th. Her older brother will baptize her. How cool is that???? We are teaching her again tonight. She is sassy and cute, it makes me think of Victoria. 

I have decided that me two favorite kinds of people are young children and really old people. That's just a side note haha.

I Love being in a Spanish Area :)

I love speaking Spanish.

I love working hard.

I was thinking about all the members that have come out to lessons with us and how cool it would be if my family went out to lessons with the missionaries. If any of you aunts or uncles or cousins or anyone has gone out with the missionaries I would love to hear about your experiences! You can relate to just about anybody! So you should go with the missionaries too to help fellowship the investigators so that they can see a real life person with real life experiences doing their best to live the gospel. I promise that if you do that you will recognize the many blessings that you have and your days will be happier. I promise.

I know that this church is true. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that exact obedience brings miracles. I love love LOVE you all and think of you often.

Hermana Hopkins

Kangaroos and such

Here's the most recent update from Hermana Hopkins. Enjoy

When I saw the subject line I laughed cause my companion knows all about kangaroos since she is from Australia! I have included a picture of her. She is awesome. She used to teach Latin dancing! The picture with the donut is from awhile ago but I figured I would send you a picture for you to get a taste of the Texas culture. ;) Don't worry, I only ate all of... a bite or two ;) Haha :) 

RS was about tithing, I shared how you have always been a wonderful example to me of paying a faithful tithe especially when you feel like you won't have enough for the month.

Since this last transfer it has just been Hna Alfaro and I. We know that we are going to see a lot of miracles this transfer. Transfers are every six weeks. We are both hard workers and willing to work hard. We are focused and obedient. And the Lord knows that too. Already, in the week that we have been in this transfer, we have seen even more and more wonderful miracles. Guadalupe came to church with her boyfriend. THAT is a miracle because first of all he is hardly ever in town and because he is still married to his wife in Mexico. We taught him his first lesson on Saturday. Gaudalupe wants this so bad for him... She is ready for baptism. She knows that this is true and has expressed that to us multiple times now. The only thing, and I mean the ONLY thing, keeping her from baptism and enjoying the companionship of the Spirit is that she is living with her boyfriend. She can't just marry him and be baptized because he is married to someone else. And she can't just move out because she doesn't have papers to live in the US and she is barely making enough money from babysitting and and selling her food and pinatas that she makes. She is a beautiful and wonderful woman. She is my heart and a half. She is so willing to learn and repent and takes the best notes from her Book of Mormon studies that she does. We are praying that something will work out soon.

We have met so many cool people here, an Italian man, a man from Nicaragua, people from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, tons from Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Iran, Haiti, the Philippines, Hindus, Muslims, Jehovah Witnesses, Seven Day Evangelists, Catholics of all kinds, Nondenominational Christians of all kinds, and much much more. I love meeting new people and talking to everyone.

Yesterday we taught an investigator who had been investigating the church in November of last year and had come to church again today. We met with him after church and got to know him a little better. He came back because he felt alone and desperate. He said he is now ready to prepare for baptism. We invited him to be baptized and he will be baptized on the 20th of July. I am praying really hard lately for all of our investigators to hold strong. And you all as well. I hope you know that I pray for you all everyday and love you dearly.

Also we had an investigator come to the church on Saturday for a lesson and a church tour. her name is Angelica and she is a single mom of three kids. She felt the spirit and it is so cool to be able to see that work in her. She came to church with her kids on Sunday too and it was powerful. The Lord has a time and a place for everyone and everything. I know that this perfect Gospel will bless her life and her family.

It is truly a blessing and a miracle to be apart of the only true church of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, and that we have the fullness of the Gospel on the earth today. I am so grateful and humbled every day.

Hermana Hopkins

June 3rd 2013

Here's the weekly update! Make sure to write her everyone.

Guess what, I cut my hair last week! I know you probably would have cried if I cut my hair too short, so I just trimmed it and made it look more clean and fresh instead of scraggly and split ends everywhere. It feels nice to have less hair to deal with. I also cut my companions bangs for her. She felt better too. A lot of the little things you taught me are becoming ever so useful now as the others here don't know how to do it themselves. Like how to clean the kitchen or the bathroom, how to cut hair or how to cook even. It's nice to already know how to do these things and I know it's a blessing.

I fasted yesterday as well, It's amazing how much strength we receive from the Lord when we sacrifice our own comfort. He makes up the difference and blesses us with hundreds of times more than what we give him. And what we give him is his already so all around we should be very thankful! I love the Lord.

This week we met Raul as we were knocking on doors. We knock on doors in trailer parks because that is where the Hispanics live. Hispanics are a lot more friendly than white people, I can say that too because I am white. We knocked on the door of this trailer and Raul answered the door. He was simply working on the empty house doing construction. He let us in and gave us each a cold bottle of water. Usually we would not be allowed to enter a house if there was only one male in the home but because there are three of us in a companionship we can go in to any home. It's great :) Anyway, he let us in and he said that he had gone to our church when he lived in Arizona. He said that he went there with his friend who was a member and that he liked it a lot but never went back since moving to Texas. He is Christian and he said that he has so many questions that are running through his mind all the time. For us missionaries this kind of person is almost like a dream come true because usually the Hispanics are Catholic and want to teach us about their beliefs instead of letting us teach. Anyway, Raul was awesome and it was so cool to get to know him. He is a dad of 5 kids and loves working with his hands. He said he lives in Round Rock though so he doesn't actually live in our area. That was sad for me cause I wanted to teach him, but the Round Rock missionaries are going to visit him sometime so I am excited to hear from them how he progresses. 

Right now in our area we don't have any progressing investigators. We usually teach a first lesson or a second lesson and then the person either is not interested in learning or they won't make time to meet with us (which also means that they aren't interested). It's been a trial, but I am learning how to better talk to people and to get out of my comfort zone when talking to people about religion. Especially in Spanish.

I took the mission Spanish test about a month ago and just got my results yesterday. You need a %80 to pass and that is pretty much the best that people usually get too. I got a %26 hahaha. But ya know, I think I did pretty good! For only three months of Spanish at that point, I am happy to say that I am learning fast! The Lord works miracles after we have and show our faith. 

I love you all, I hope you are learning from the things that I am learning as well. Thank you for the birthday wishes! Read and study the Book of Mormon, it's my favorite book!

Hermana Hopkins