I Gave A Talk, Sang, And Played The Piano

The comments and or translations in bold blue italics are from Lauren's mom.

Christmas 2011 Zone Conference

Every missionary was given a gift that a parent had sent in. Thank you for the gift you sent in. I know that every missionary loved the one they received! (The mission president asked that each missionary’s family send a $5.00 gift for them to give to all the missionaries in each zone during their Christmas zone conference.)


We are getting back into the swing of things now that Christmas is over. Our days were crammed packed this last week with appointments and gift giving. Thanks so much everyone for the gifts that you sent me. I don't know if I told you, but that flower I wore in my hair when we Skyped was from the Evans family. Would you please tell them that I love it? Ha, it’s the first girly thing I’ve ever worn in my hair.
 

This week has been insane. I feel like I’ve grown so much from the things that have been put in our path. I am so grateful for my Father in Heaven and for the ways in which he helps us become better people. All four of us missionaries gave talks in sacrament meeting this past Sunday which was fun. We also sang and I played the piano. I regret not practicing more. I play the piano a lot more than I ever thought I would.

We had a good lesson with Griselda and her children. We talked about the importance of keeping the commitments that they had accepted like reading the scriptures, praying, and going to church. They reset their baptismal date. Their new baptismal date is January 14th. Keep them in your prayers! Griselda is amazing; I have faith that they'll really start stepping things up this week.

We have an appointment with Eva tomorrow. If she doesn’t progress then sadly we will have to stop teaching her. It just occurred to me that we need to get her older sons address to the zone leaders so they can start visiting him. Maybe that'll encourage her on.

I LOVE YOU FAMILY AND I WAS SO THRILLED TO BE ABLE TO SEE NEARLY EVERYONE!!!! I'm so glad that you were able to spend Christmas together with extended family. I read an incredible article in the January’s issue of the Liahona magazine that was by President Monson. He talks about controlling our future by controlling our thoughts, thinking better of ourselves, and not loosing courage or faith. I can't tell you how much it’s helped me today. I encourage you all to read it. It’s a great article! I love you all. You are in my prayers always. Abrazos y besos :) (Translation: hugs and kisses)

Con Carino, (Translation:With Love)
Hermana Perez