Hello everyone!
Yesterday was a really good day. It was Dia de los Muertos, and even though I knew it was a big day in Mexico, I was still surprised at what a huge deal it is here! One of the city's cemetaries is actually in our area, and the streets were packed with people who travelled from all over to visit the graves of their loved ones. We took advantage of this and contacted a ton! One woman we contacted came all the way from Texas just for Dia de los Muertos. But she was super receptive and actually gave us her address, which we'll pass on to the missionaries in Texas through the offices of the Church. Pretty crazy, huh?
The primary had an activity on Saturday for Halloween/Dia de los Muertos. A tradition they have here in Mexico is to decorate calaveras, or skeletons, to look like their deceased loved ones. The primary kids decorated them to look like someone from the scriptures or the ward, and one little 9 year old girl named Alani decorated hers to look like me! She even cut a lock of her hair and put it on the calavera to match my hair. They gave me the calavera to take home. I was so touched! One of the counselors in the primary presidency said that Alani admires me a lot, which completely made my entire week.
Another of our investigators, Carlos, is going to be baptized this Saturday. We've been teaching him for about two months, and we are SO excited that he's finally ready to be baptized. He has been so receptive since the beginning, and has such a strong testimony. He is a miracle for us. He was an alcoholic for almost thirty years, but has stopped drinking and smoking and is progressing so well in the Church. He has changed so much, and it has been an honor to be able to help him.
I love where I am right now. My heart was so full last night that I didn't want to go to sleep! I love being a missionary. I know that this Gospel is true, and I am so grateful I have the chance to share it all day long. And I am so grateful I'll get to stay in my area for another little while. God is so good to me.
I can't really think of what else to say....if you have more questions let me know. Sorry I'm not the best at writing letters, but I can't even describe how grateful I am that you write me and send me pictures. I love you all so much and I love the time I get to hear from you each week!
love,
Hermana Southard
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| Diana at her baptism |
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| Diana's Family |
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| Members of the Ward - Salas |
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| Diana at her baptism |
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| Ashley with the calavera that was made of her |
