WEEK 60 - The One with the Sacrament

Quick email this week.... Yep that's it. 

 Hermana Ellison

 

Ha ha kidding. But I really don't have a lot to say. I learned a lot this week. The lord is so wonderful. And he never gets tired of being a God of miracles. The other day I was on an exchange with a sister and we went to visit one of our investigators that is progressing to baptism and the member that was going to go with us failed, so I was a little sad and when we got there, she opened the door and said she was washing her baby and if we could return in 30 minutes. So I said okay and when she closed the door I said a little pray in my heart that it would be so nice if a member could come with us because she is so wonderful. So we went a little ways up the mountain to see a less active member and she didn't answer, but while we were up there a member passed by and we said hi and said what are you doing?  She said she passing around so we invited her to the visit with us and she said yes! We went and  had a wonderful lesson with the member and she even made friends with her mom who hasn't wanted to listen really and it was a miracle.

 

The father of the member that we live with passed away yesterday. It's weird to see someone and say hi to that person everyday and then to not see them anymore. He was very old and died of natural causes. He was one of the oldest high priests here in this Ward and he hadn't come to church for a really long time because he can't hear very well.  Then this last fast Sunday, he got all dressed up and came to church. He took the Sacrament and bore his testimony. And then this Sunday he passed away. The Lord taught me a really good lesson, that the Sacrament is so important to God. He wants us to be clean. We need to take the Sacrament, and he prompted this man to do so before he entered his presence. That day in church he went to class and the sister that teaches the class said that he asked her what hymn they were going to sing and she said number 40 and he said great; next Sunday we will sing 41 ("how great thou art", his favorite) well... he didn't make it to church the next Sunday but we sang it for him yesterday and I thought that was pretty cool. 

Also; I cut my hair to give to kids with cancer. See the photos below

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hermana Ellison

 

 

WEEK 59 - The One with My Sisters Song

Good day everyone! I'm just sitting here listening to the recording of Morgan and Rileigh singing "I Stand All Amazed" and I'm not sure what to write, I just want to sit here and soak it up. I just sang super loud trying to harmonize, my companion looked at me weird. Haha gotta practice! So My dad ask me some really good questions today so I'm going to answer those. 

I'm in my fifth transfer here, and my second transfer with my companion Hermana Hincapie, and she is the best. The only problem is that we both have that laughing sickness, where you laugh at inappropriate times and you can't stop... So were working on that. We repent a lot for that one... But I love her! We never knock doors, we just talk with everything we see in the streets and that's how we find a lot of people to teach, we ask everyone for references, like members or less actives and that's how we find a lot of people that the Lord is preparing to be baptized. Our goal is 1450 active baptism and rescues this week. Our President really stress retention, they aren't just numbers they are conversions and they need to be nourished and active.

  I told you about Fernando a little bit, he will be rescued this week and then next week he is going receive the priesthood and he is preparing to go to the temple in January with the ward!! We are so excited for him. He is such a great example. 

   This last week we taught about family history work and work for the dead in the temples and one of our converts recently, Nelly was there who is just wonderful and she seemed excited about the whole theme, and I felt such a strong feeling that I had to help her do her family history work for her parents. I felt like that was why I was still here to help her do this work. So we had a visit with her Thursday and I was so excited to help her fill it out and then she said and my granddaughter... could I be baptized for her?? And my eyes just filled up with water and I knew it was her that we were here for and I said yes!! Nelly started to cry and said I'll never forget her. She passed away about 4 years ago in an accident at the age of 15 or 16. She showed us all these pictures of her and is so excited to do her work. She has an appointment this Friday with the family history lady, so I'll keep you updated. 

  I'm sending you a picture of me and Marvin, He's my favorite little kid, I'd adopt him if I could, but the mission manual says we can't. He is the son of a less active Diane who we are working with, but I can't even describe the life Marvin has with his parents; oh this sweet boy, but through it all he is still always so happy and his spirit oh so sweet. Whenever he sees me in the street he throws down his bike and runs to me and yells Hermana Ellison! in his cute little accent. Then he always try's to give me a hug, but he knows he can't haha. But oh how I still love him.

   I have a goal to study the Atonement and oh how wonderful it is. I love my Savior and oh how I need him and how I need repentance. His grace saves me and sets me free. Alma 7:15 says, "Come and fear not" What sweet words, he really does love us and he has done everything to save us. Never forget to pray. This is my favorite line from I Stand All Amazed... :)

  "I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine, to rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine, that he should extend his great love unto such as I, sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify. Oh it is Wonderful, Wonderful to me." 

 

Hermana Ellison

 

 

WEEK 58 - The One with 50 Years in Bolivia

      This week has been a busy week of a lot of activities for the church here in Tarija! We celebrated 50 years of the church here in Bolivia! and it was amazing. Thursday we all got up early in the morning and went to the main plaza in the center and we had a performance that they had been announcing on the television all this week. We were going to have three musical numbers and the 50 missionaries that are here in Tarija were all going to sing together.  So we had been practicing the days prior. So that's exciting and if that wasn't enough, Wednesday night before we were to sing, one of the zone leaders of the other zones calls me and says sister Ellison you've been selected to sing a duet with Hermana Crandell for the other special number.... Yeah that's funny. But anyways we did, we sang first and sang "I know that me redeemer lives", it was okay...(But we did sing it again at the Stake Conference and we did much much better.)   Then all the missionaries sang and then this other sister who sings like an angel sang. Then we went around and passed out pamphlets and invited everyone to the ceremony the government was going to have in our church to recognize us for our service and beliefs for 50 years here. The event was so cool! They gave the church these cool plaques and recognized us for all our service and our Christ like beliefs; it was so cool. The next day one of the government lady's came to the stake conference with her family of 7! All because the President's wife, Hermana Willard invited her! They're such amazing people here in Bolivia and I truly know that the church is true and that one day the whole world will be converted.

    Speaking of Hermana Willard, the President's wife. She's amazing and Yesterday after the conference I went up to talk to her and she said sister I'd like to go on a transfer with you and your companion! How about that? hahaha I was so nervous and so excited. So she came up to our area and we went out proslyting with her and she truly is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. I want to be just like her. She is one of the most kind, sincere, virtous and pure people I have ever met in my entire life. And her faith, wow don't even get me started. When she prays everything comes true. We had such an amazing lesson with her and one of our investigators and she barley said anything and at the same time said everything! I know that this investigator will be baptized purely because she got to meet Hermana Willard. It's rare that sisters get to go on intercambios with her and I was so lucky.

Hermana Ellison

 

WEEK 57 - The One Where you Shouldn't Wait

   I don't know if I've said this but we had transfers and I'm still here! In the same area! That's right... 5 transfers here!!! That's a ton! That's 7 months! 5 transfers ago I opened this zone; La Vina with a group of 18 other missionaries and now I'm the only one left of those originals who opened this zone! But that's okay I really love it here.  

 

   This week there was a hug hail storm! Here in Tarija this is very common. And usually I've always had pretty good luck when the rain or the storms come I always happen to be in a lesson, but this time nope. We were walking to a lesson and it hit... It was crazy! The hail is so big here and so dangerous. My companion got hit in the head! and now she has a bump. So we just had to stand under a roof thing and wait till it passed. 

 

   As for spiritually, this last transfers we met a less active named Fernando and he is just a light and such a wonderful spirit. We knocked on his door one day to find his sister and he answer, so we asked if we could visit him and he said yes. So we returned to visit and he was not only there, which is rare, but he was waiting for us! We brought a hermanadora de oro (a member) Eli Romero and the lesson was so good. I still remember that first prayer he gave that night; as we got on our knees and he prayed and asked God for forgiveness. It was so amazing to see someone so humble and ready to repent and return to God. The lord has so much mercy and he loves us. It has been amazing to watch him grow, from the first Sunday that he came in jeans and a t shirt, to the next he came in a shirt and tie (a daisy duck tie because its the only one he has, it's the coolest) and then to these last ones that he comes in a full suit! He's the first at every activity, conference and devotion and he is a true example of the believers. 

 

  We can always return to the Lord, His forgiveness is always there. Today I was reading in Matthew 18 about a king who was taking accounts of his servants. It was the turn of one servant who owed the king ten thousands talents. The servant said that he had not the means to pay... I imagine that these words were so hard for this servant to say as he knew the punishment which was to come as the king said... then you and your wife and your family must be sold until you can pay it. 

The servant then got down on his knees and begged, "Lord Have patience with me and I will pay thee all." The following verse gives me so much comfort as I imagine Christ saying the same to me. "The  Lord of the servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt." 

Our savior Jesus Christ has payed our debt, he loves us and will always have compassion on us when we come to him in humble repentance. 

 

As Jeffery R Holland says, "Don’t dwell on old issues orgrievances—not toward yourself nor your neighbor nor even, I might add,toward this true and living Church. The majesty of your life, of yourneighbor’s life, and of the gospel of Jesus Christ will be made manifest atthe last day, even if such majesty is not always recognized by everyone inthe early going. So don’t hyperventilate about something that happened at9:00 in the morning when the grace of God is trying to reward you at 6:00in the evening—whatever your labor arrangements have been through the day.

 

We consume such precious emotional and spiritual capital clinging tenaciously to the memory of a discordant note we struck in a childhood piano recital, or something a spouse said or did 20 years ago that we are determined to hold over his or her head for another 20, or an incident in Church history that proved no more or less than that mortals will always struggle to measure up to the immortal hopes placed before them. Even if one of those grievances did not originate with you, it can end with you. And what a reward there will be for that contribution when the Lord of the vineyard looks you in the eye and accounts are settled at the end of our earthly day.

Which leads me to my third and last point. This parable—like all parables— is not really about laborers or wages any more than the others are about sheep and goats. This is a story about God’s goodness, His patience and forgiveness, and the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a story about generosity and compassion. It is a story about grace. It underscores the thought I heard many years ago that surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don’t expect it and often feel they don’t deserve it.

I do not know who in this vast audience today may need to hear the message of forgiveness inherent in this parable, but however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.

Please listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit telling you right now,  this very moment, that you should accept the atoning gift of the Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy the fellowship of His labor. Don’t delay. It’s getting late. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Hermana Ellison

 

WEEK 56 - The One with the Brother of Jared

Esteemed Colleagues ...

 

   Hahah I don't know how to spell that word.  This week has been amazing. I've seen miracles in a very different way. We are striving to be obedient with exactness and trying to service this Ward. We know that we have so much time and so little time and its important to use it wisely. We are visiting and serving as many members and people as we can. I saw a miracle this week with the revelation that the lord has given me. I Don't think my mind as ever been so open and effective. I feel the Lord teaching me in every moment and giving me ideas and help. I feel him helping me be diligent and helping me discern the needs of these investigators. I see the miracle of family history, the questions of gold (baptismal question and references) and the members. Today I was studying in Ether chapter 3 and I know I need to be more like the Bother of Jared. I love the Brother of Jared!! (my dad and the one in the scriptures hahha) He was prepared before he came to the Lord, he was diligent and I know too that if I am prepared and come to the Lord in humility and faith he will answer our prayers for these people here and touch their hearts! The investigators are like these stones! We have to help them and prepare them and then pray for them with all our faith saying "Lord I know you can do these things", and he will touch their hearts and we will see miracles, why because I've seen it before! He's touched the heart of so many people in my mission already and I've seen it, I've seen his hand touch their hearts and I know he will continue to do so. 

   The more we search and are obedient, the more the Lord teaches us and enlightens our mind and we can know the truth of all things.  

Everything for God is spiritual and this world is amazing! Its incredible. Go outside. Its really pretty out there. Appreciate the world and everything he has given you. Study! Study from the best books, read! Dance! Be good. Learn and grow and always always repent.

 

Hermana Ellison 

 

I know that the revelation you have received is true and is of God. I know that we are servants of the lord, we are unworthy yet he loves us and has so much mercy upon us. 

 

Photos

1. Micro

2. My cute companion and my old companion traveling to Santa Cruz

3. Soup. Thats called Bori Bori. Super good. 

 

 

WEEK 55 - The One with The Birthdays

That's right I remember your birthdays!

 

Happy birthday to all you October babies.   My favorite thing about you is....

 

Trenton.... That ever since I was little I only wantd to be just like you! Rocky.. yep. Star Wars.. You bet cha. Grease... Go grease lighting. Thanks for letting me follow you around as little kids. Thanks for teaching me how to be a hill billy and thanks for being my big brother. I love you more than you know!!! 

 

Savannah.... I love your passion for style and your desire to help others. You have great motivation and do great things. I'll always remember that cool club you started in high school. You are a dreamer. I also love that you only eat ice cream and pizza for breakfast and you're still the same size (smiley face)

  

Tiffany... I love your drive to do your best and always give all of your self to all your projects! You have dillengence! You are so awesome and spirited! I always know that you can do anything you put your mind too. 

 

Connor... I love that you always have a great sense of humor and are always laughing. I love your passion for riding bikes and being the best in whatever your circumstances. You have a special spirit. Make sure you share it with others. 

 

Hamiliton... I love your love for your family. Its always my favorite when you call and we all get a chance to talk to you! I love that you're the only kid in our family that has actually written me a hand written letter... haha your the best!!! I sure love you and your passion for the gospel and hunting haha. 

 

To all...the funnny thing is that you have all probably changed so much or maybe not at all, but this is what I remember of you... haha. Sure love you all! 

 

Hermana Ellison 

WEEK 54 - The One with Some Quotes

"If you dedicate your gifts and talents, you only return to Him (God) what He already has given you. If you pay tithing, you only return to Him a tenth of what he has already given to you. Everything that you have to give to the Lord, has its origin in Him, EXCEPT ONE THING... YOUR WILL. He does not have your heart, nor your mind, unless you give them to Him. It is the only gift you have to offer that He does not already have. And so when you give yourself, you truly give everything to Him."

 

"He will create you a Master piece. You will create of you only a smudge. You will create an ordinary man. He will create a God."

 

These quotes changed my life... and the talk "The Fourth Missionary" changed my life.  

 

Give it up!!! Don't try it your way. Do it Christ's way and be happy about it!!!! Be happy to serve him and to serve him. Charity is everything. 

 

Hermana Ellison