April 7, 2014: Conference Weekend!!

Ah!

 Wasn't conference like the greatest thing ever?? By the end of those eight short hours I felt an undeniable closeness to the Savior. I felt like I know Him so well. I love Him so much and I feel so blessed to serve Him for these 8 months to come.

So! I hit my 9 month mark, crazy right? I was reflecting back on those months and I just couldn't believe that this has passed by so quickly. To celebrate, we went to a taqueria and then got mint chocolate chip shakes with the English sisters..

I'm trying to think of some fun things to share...hmm...

On Friday, we had zone meeting in Madisonville and I got to see Hermana Hosking and Hermana Fletcher (my previous two companions)..I didn't realize how much I had missed them until I actually saw them..I couldn't believe that it was only ten days ago that I had seen them! After zone meeting, we taught a few lessons and then went to Hermana Maria Ramirez's to eat dinner and paint her living room. I think I've already said this before but I'll say it again, that woman is crazy! But I love her so so much..Painting was a challenge..The paint was purchased from a used paint store (I didn't know those existed..) and it was super thick..While my companions painted the edges and corners, I painted the walls..Arm work out to the max! After the Saturday afternoon session, we went to the Segundo's for dinner...Hermana Segundo needs her own restaurant, the food was incredible! She feeds us every other Saturday..Hermana Segundo is a single mom who doesn't have a car..She gets rides everywhere she goes and not a single murmur escapes her lips. She's incredible..For our dinner thought, we felt inspired to share the message of the Restoration..We shared James 1:5 and related the story of Jose Smith..I said the first vision and afterwards, we asked if anyone was on their mind at that specific moment...She gave us two referrals! Wahoo! That is the way this area works: the members..We don't knock any doors, we just work with less actives and members..And the baptisms just keep coming!

After the Segundo's, we had two people to visit: Santiago and a less active. I felt very strongly that we needed to see Santiago right away..We hadn't seen him since last week and we had tried by a couple times this week..As we pulled up to his home, he was standing outside, talking on his phone. We got out of the car, he hung up, and he let us in. We taught him and Estela (semi-active member/girlfriend) about general conference and the Book of Mormon. We invited them to conference and Estela came! but he didn't....there's always next week!

I am so excited to apply what I've learned in General Conference...I want to be charitable and always have an attitude of gratitude. I'm so grateful for my Savior. I know the load of trials that is placed on our backs is (as Elder Bednar said) "spiritual traction" that will move us forward, back to our heavenly home. This life is the refiner's fire..I would never wish for my trials, but I'd never give them up. I'm grateful for them and I'm grateful for the bright hope of my future.

Everyone needs to hear this message, we are all going to return to our Heavenly Father one day, so why not lend a helping hand and share the beautiful message of the gospel?

 

I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that this is the true church of Jesus Christ.

 

Love,

Hermana Emma Seymour

March 31, 2014: My New Area: Brazos (Arms)!!

Howdy y'all!

 So last week, I got transferred! We drove down to Houston for the transfer meeting and President Pingree told me that I was staying spanish speaking, and going to the Brazos Ward, which is in the same stake as Huntsville (and the same zone so I'll get to see my old companions!)! Basically, we drove all the way down to Houston just to drive back to Bryan/College Station! 

and so it begins!

Ah...this place is amazing! College Station is the home to the Texas A&M Aggies and we drive by the campus everyday..It's huge!

The rumor here is that Bryan is 80% Hispanic! I think this is true because I have yet to see a white person! jk..I've seen a few. Brazos was made into a ward one year ago and there's a lot of work to be done. All of the members are converts and most of them were actually baptized here in Bryan. Only 4 people from the ward have served missions and for all of the members, this is the only ward that they've ever been in....So it's hilarious!  

Welcome!

 I'm in another trio (my 4th..including the MTC)..My companions are Hermana Zabriskie..She's from Ogden, UT (my first Utah companion!), 20 years old, and came out with Hermana Hosking a year ago..My other companion is Hermana Bruneel, she's the Sister Training Leader, 22, from Idaho, and goes home at the end of the next transfer..They're the hardest working companions I've had and we get so much work done!

I can already tell that my Spanish has rapidly improved..Every single lesson we have is in Spanish and all of our church meetings are in Spanish..Ward council was interesting yesterday because I've never done it before in Spanish! The first counselor in the bishopric asked me to say the opening prayer in sacrament meeting...helloooooo anxiety! But good thing it was the first one so I got it out of the way :)

Seeing that yesterday was fast sunday, one of the things that I fasted for was an improvement of my Spanish..As part of the fast, I felt it necessary to speak only Spanish, even with my companions. So from Saturday night to sunday afternoon, the only thing that came out of my mouth was espanol! I know that the Lord will increase my abilities even more so that I'm able to be the missionary and teacher that he wants me to be.

This ward is on fire..We've seen 5 baptisms since the start of the year and there's incredible potential...There are many less actives and part member families...aka..the pot of gold for finding people to teach..

One of the lessons we taught this week was with a part member family..Santiago (nonmember) andsemi-active  girlfriend, Estela..We taught him the restoration one night and as Hermana Zabriskie said the First Vision, the Spirit blanketed the room..We sat there in silence for a moment and Santiago said, "Wow, I've never had this feeling before..What is this?" We explained to him that it was the Holy Ghost testifying to him that these things were true..At the beginning of the lesson, Santiago was taking everything lightly..but at this moment, he experienced a great change of heart...It was amazing!

Two nights later, we planned on teaching him more about the Book of Mormon and how it shows us what we need to do in order to return to our Heavenly Father..I sat there quietly, I felt the Spirit put a promise in my mind and I asked myself, "Should I say this? This is pretty bold!"

Before I could think it through, I opened my mouth and said, "Santiago, if you pray, right now and ask if this is true, I promise you that you will receive an answer. I paused for a brief moment and continued, "As representatives of Jesus Christ, we promise that this will happen, as soon as you finish your prayer, you will know." I've found that on my mission, my silence can be my most powerful tool. That when I do say something, it's pretty darn important!

As I made the most powerful and specific promise I had ever made, I felt my face flush and the room felt like the temperature had just been cranked up.The Spirit surged through my body and I felt like I was being supercharged. I never broke eye contact with him and he was silent for a moment...The Spirit hit him like a ton of bricks! He prayed.

When you voice to people very simply and clearly what they have to do...and they don't do it...They're too afraid to change..This is the easiest thing, and it'll bring so much happiness!

Well..my purpose is to INVITE people to Christ......So, I have to keep that in mind at all times!

That's all I've got for the week y'all! The ward is amazing...It's like my Hawaii ward just on steroids...there is so much love! and food!

  
  This is Hermana Bustemante's mother..She taught me how to make"gorditas"...fat, fried tortillas that you stuff food in.  I had cactus this week for the first time! So yummy! You might have to roll me off of the airplane when I come home lol...

meet Cosita (little thing), my new Chihuahua.

I love you all!  This is His work!

Watch conference this week!

Love,

Hermana Emma Seymour

March 24, 2014: I went out with a BANG!

Holy moly. I can easily say that this past week was the greatest week of my entire mission (so far)!!! I only have a few minutes to write because we have a lot to get done this pday...I'm leaving Huntsville and it's very bitter sweet...I love the people so so much and I'll miss them dearly but I feel like the Lord has a new challenge in store for me. 

On Wednesday, we drove down to Houston to attend the temple with our district and I had the wonderful opportunity to do all of the work for my grandmother who passed away last year. It was such an incredible experience that strengthened my testimony of family history. DO IT PEOPLE!

Then Saturday...the most action, jam-packed day ever. We met some members at the church at 730 to drive down to the temple once more...

classy..mini van in the background...in the middle is Hermano Policarpo..and on the right is JO ANN!

We were taking Hermano Sergio Policarpo (Less active member that we've been working with since the beginning of time...he is now active) to the temple for his first time ever! We prepared 7 names for him over the course of a couple weeks..His mother, sister, brother, aunts, and grandparents..He also has a long lost family member that is LDS who has already done the work for his father...Anyways..The temple was so so crowded! Our anxiety shot through the roof because we needed to get back to Huntsville for Cady's baptism!! After speaking to temple workers, we got Hermano Policarpo to the front of the line..Hermana Hosking did all of the girls' names first and then Popo went in..It was such a beautiful sight to see him in the font and hear the ordinance pronounced in spanish..I love the temple!

When we went outside he said to us, "I will remember this day for the rest of my life. Thank you for helping me. I could feel that my mother and sister were there with me." AH! How awesome!

We flew back to Huntsville and finished setting up for the baptism...Guess what y'all my wonderful companion who finished her mission in January, Hermana Gutierrez....Came back! Oh it was so amazing to see her!

We began to fill the font and eventually, got the baptismal service started...When it was time for the baptism...We opened up the doors to the font and were shocked..the font had drained all the way to knee length! Cady said, "um...should we turn the water back on?" Elder Field (he came back to baptize her..) said, "We can do it! Just bend your knees and trust me!" Somehow...Cady got all the way under and Elder Field hoisted her back up...She was full of smiles and wow, it was such an awesome sight..

As I conducted the music, I looked into the crowd of people and sitting in front of me were the three people that I taught and were baptized here in Huntsville: Krystin, Adriann, and now Cady..Everything came full circle and I knew that it was the Lord's way of telling me that I really am doing a good job.

The rest of Saturday, we did splits! Hermana G came with me and Fletcher and Hosking went to teach others...So fun! 

I hate goodbyes so much..I feel like they never end! I love my companions dearly..I've been with Hermana Hosking since November and I just got Hermana Fletcher! Well, "I'll go where you want me to go"...

I know that this work is true. I know that God lives and loves us. 

Much love,

hermana emma seymour

there's a story behind this picture...a member once gave us this "drink" that was made up of milk, hazelnut, almonds, and figs...and it tasted AMAZING..and kinda like coffee...but seeing that she's a member, we trusted her...When Hermana G was with us yesterday I said, "Hermana Sister____ made the yummy drink again! Have some!" She refused to and then said quietly, "Hermana...it's coffee...ask her for the the "packet" that she makes the drink from..." So I did..and she pulled out this!! AH! i drank coffee!!! oops! someone call the mission 

Happy St Patrick's Day: March 17, 2014: "Sometimes people aren't home. And sometimes their homes aren't there."

Hola familia!

 Let me explain the quote from the subject title...One day this week, we wanted to visit the Herarra family (less active)..We drove onto their street and then found their address..The only problem was...their house was no longer there! Ah..I wish I had taken a picture for y'All...But when we pulled up the driveway...there was an empty plot of land..We were hysterical!

Anyways...Cady is getting baptized this Saturday! We're so excited and Hermana Gutierrez is coming down for it wahoooo!! 

We did lots of "seed planting" this week...On monday night, we found a new trailer park to knock on and the last house was my favorite..A black woman opened the door and let us in..In the living room was an older woman that was bedridden..her mother..My word, this woman was a hoot! Have y'All ever seen the Princess and the Frog? Well this woman was her in the flesh! She had a thick Louisiana accent, zero teeth, a lip packed with chew and Albert Einstein hair..She said, "Ohhh we luhh to hear da good word! tell us some more!" 

Have I ever expressed my love for the south? Everyone loves Jesus and goes to church! Now we just have to get them to this church! :)

On Tuesday night, we went contacting in a grocery store..They had super clearanced huge teddy bears left over from Valentines Day... Seeing that we couldn't get Hermana Hosking a present for her birthday, Hermana Fletcher and I split the cost and bought it for her..Hosking has had a huge teddy bear since she was eight but she didn't bring him on the mission because who wants to show up to the mission home (MTC) with a massive bear in their arms? Her bear was named Cuddles so we named this one...Puddles...I wish y'All could have seen how happy she was! She almost started to cry! Who knew that such a simple act could bring so much joy?

Puddles and Hermana Hoskings

Hermana Hosking's mom sent her a birthday cake in the mail!!! yum!! this is her and elder nymeyer

Another fun moment..We were in a grocery store and we saw a couple clearly not speaking english..But it didn't sound like spanish..Hermana Hosking walked up to them and said, "Ustedes hablan ingles?" Their faces looked so confused and they said, "What?"...Hosking said, "Oh...we thought you were speaking spanish..Where are you from?" The man responded, "Armenia...." Have a nice day sir!!!

Friday night was so much fun! We seemed out of ideas as to where to go...I pulled into Victor Lopez's trailer park...And had a idea, lets have a movie night! All of the kids ran up to the car and I asked, "Do y'All wanna watch a movie?" They squealed with delight and said, "YES!!!" We scrambled to get a projector, laptop, popcorn, blankets..etc..We got it all set up by 8 and watched, "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration". The kids LOVED it!

 MOVIE NIGHT! some of the kiddos and my companions..

I love these kids!

appearance...it got cold so...i threw on this random brazil sweatshirt!

Saturday night..ohhh I don't really want to remember it but it's worth writing about..We dropped our beloved Horacio Rodriguez. His progression stopped and he kept saying that he understood everything we taught but he refused to read and pray..(beware of pride)...so we told him, "When you read and pray and receive your answer, call us..Then we'll come back." He wasn't at church the next day...But that night, we were all so broken, we went into the church for a moment to pray..As Hermana Hosking prayed, I felt a tiny portion of what the Savior felt when he bore everything for me..I've found that in my hardest moments on my mission, that is when I am closest to the Savior. 

I know that He lives. And I know that He loves us. This is His work and I'm so grateful that I get to be His hands in Houston.

Victor came to church yesterday and payed his tithing! Miracle! We're taking him and Hermano Policarpo to the temple this week! It will be their first time EVER going! Ah!

I know this was a short email but those were some of the "juicy" details that happened this week! I love you all so much and I know that this is the true church!

I know that my Redeemer lives!

On P-Day we went hiking in the National Forest

                                               

earlier in the week..before we dropped horacio...we plastered his door with pictures and pamphlets because he wasn't home...

Love,

Hermana Emma Seymour

p.s....transfers are next week!

March 10, 2014: The Ruiz's Came To Church!

Hi family! As you can tell by the subject title, the Ruiz's came to church this week! Two weeks ago, was the spanish fireside that pumped up the members to share the gospel and strengthen their families..The following Sunday, after the Ruiz's said they would be at church, they weren't there...But! We got the explanation...Unfortunately, Hermano Ruiz's brother passed away so they were in Mexico last sunday :( So this Sunday, I was sitting up front with Jo Ann (the most amazing recent convert in the world) when Hermana Hosking tapped me on the back and said, "The Ruiz's are here!" This happened before Sacrament meeting started so I ran back to them and gave them the biggest hug. Oh my word I was beyond happy to see them! Our Principios del Evangelio (sunday school) teacher wasn't here so we had to wing a lesson! AH! It was actually really awesome! The spirit led the entire thing...We taught about faith and how we need to have faith and trust in the Lord when we're passing through difficult times..It was perfect for the Ruiz's and we ended with a few minutes left of class so we invited the class to share their testimonies..Both Hermano and Hermana Ruiz bore a beautiful testimony of the Gospel..I really think they're back for good!

Another miracle this week: Cady Hopkins is getting baptized on March 22nd!!! We're so so excited! We've started the lessons over with her again even though she has had them multiple times...You can never get enough of the gospel!

We went tracting on Tuesday and boy, it was freezing! We trudged through a trailer park in the mud and ice and the Lord sent us a tender mercy...We knocked on a door and before we could explain who we were, the young woman said, "Pasanle. (come in.)" We sat down in her warm home and began to teach her and her sister the Restoration...Jackie and Veronica are from El Salvador and Veronica has only been here fore 3 months! We went back on Saturday and taught the Restoration again and it was a little chaotic haha..there were kids running everywhere!

This friday, we had zone meeting in madisonville and afterwards, we did exchanges! I went with Hermana Burneel (the sister training leader) and we headed back to the Brazos area, which covers all of Bryan and College Station (Texas A&M)..I met some crazy awesome people! The members have incredible faith and one thing about mexicans.....THEY'RE CRAZY DRIVERS. I felt like I was in a cab in new york city! We taught each family about family history and the importance of searching for our family ancestors..

For the YSA branch, we did some less active hunting and it was a success! We found this 18 year old freshman, McKenna..We taught her in her dorm room and she came to institute the next night!

I'm beginning to realize more and more that less active just need a good friend who's in the church...And visiting and home teachers! DO YOUR HOME AND VISITING TEACHING! miracles happen because of it! There is a man in the family ward who home teaches a group of spanish-speaking families- he doesn't know a lick of spanish but he still goes out EVERY sunday...If they're not home, he goes back again and again...NEVER give up! Everybody needs to be loved!

Okay. My rant is over...

This week was hard when it comes to finding new people...but we won't give up! There is always someone waiting to hear the gospel.

Well, this email is really short...sorry!

Just know that....the Book of Mormon is true! Every single truth relies upon the Book of Mormon! Because it is true, the church is true and joseph smith really was a prophet, called of God.

I know with all my heart that this is true.

 

 Happy Mardi Gras! sooo here in the south, they have this thing called, King Cake..and they put a little "baby jesus" in every cake so who ever gets the baby has good luck for the year..In hispanic culture, whoever gets the baby has to host the party the following year...I GOT THE BABY

                                         Our car on Tuesday

we went out to eat a restaurant that had a chalk wall...I left my mark :)

                                     

 Meet Rafa...aka...Batman..I met him while on my exchange in Brazos...Cutest little boy in the world!

 soo...this stuff is called "Chicarron"...aka...fried pig fat/skin..and guess who had to eat it for dessert? yep, this girl

                                                                  The Ruiz's!!!!

Hermano Ruiz always has donuts in his trunk...so after church he gave us some

Love,

Hermana Emma Seymour

March 3 2014~Holy.Cow

Hi!!!! Shall I start off with the most amazing news in the world??? CADY HOPKINS IS GETTING BAPTIZED!!!!!!!! ah!!!!!!!!!!! are yall freaking out??? Because here in huntsville, we are!

Okay, I'll start from the beginning...After sacrament meeting, we were disheartened to see that we had zero investigators at church...we wondered why sister gossett (less active...andrew's mom...andrew is cady's boyfriend) wasn't there when she just told us last night that she'd be here...We received a text from her saying that Andrew and Cady had broken up and that Andrew is a mess and Cady has already left the house..O.o Sister Hosking and Fletcher were worried at first that this was going to be bad..But I felt an overwhelming peace that this is what needed to happen and that this is the best thing for Cady..Last night, was the CES devotional so we invited Cady to the Institute building and she happily came..When we saw her, she was all smiles and full of light..We talked afterwards and this is everything she said: 

-she realized that Andrew was holding her back..in the fall when she said that she wanted to be baptized, andrew freaked out and did not let it happen..this broke her heart..since then, she has felt so guilty meeting with us because she was still living with him and she wanted to be baptized so badly..Andrew would always tell her that he's working to save up for a ring when in reality he would just blow his money on video games..she didn't want to live with andrew and sister gossett for the rest of her life..she wants to finish school, get married and have a family..when we met with her on friday, she asked us, "How do you receive answers to prayers?" we explained to her that there are many ways..the first: read your scriptures..an apostle once said, "if you want to talk to God, pray.If you want God to talk to you, read your scriptures." Ever since she asked us that, I had been pondering why specifically she did so..what answer was she in need of? everything was made clear yesterday...she's so excited now and she feels so relieved. Her only remorse is the pain she caused Andrew. But she's so unbelievably excited to get baptized and go to the temple asap...OH MY WORD. AH. 

We had fasted as a companionship that our investigators would be able to recognize and receive answers to their prayers. And within hours, this miracle happened. The power of fasting is so real and I know that God hears and answers our prayers. All we have to do is have a sincere heart, willing to act upon the answer you receive..For example..if you're reading the Book of Mormon and you want to know it's true, are you willing to accept the call from the Savior and be baptized when you learn of its truth? If not, you will not receive your answer. I learned from the devotional last night that we must truly be HUMBLE when we pray..When we pray, we align our will with God's..We don't try and convince Him..Being humble means that you're willing to do whatever He tells you to do..I know that this is true and I'm so grateful for the power of prayer.

Aside from that wonderful miracle, we have had many..Minutes before the devotional, we wanted to talk to someone, to teach someone..We decided to go to a trailer park and sing to someone..Of course, the one trailer we knock on, it happened to be a white person (there's nothing against white people, we just had our spanish hymn books...)..The woman was sitting there in her whitey-tighties when her little boy threw the door open for us and cig smoke poured out of the tiny trailer..awk..We asked if it was a good time thinking that it wasn't...and she invited us in haha....we sang Divina Luz (Leady Kindly Light) for her and her husband...As soon as we began to sing, the Spirit filled the room with warmth..The spirit speaks every language..Even though they couldn't understand what we were singing, we knew that they felt the pure love of Christ. We asked them a few questions and she said that her daughter "is a convert to the LDS faith". holy cow! We invited her to church and she said, "maybe i'll see yall on sunday!"

it's the little miracles like these that I love so much. 

This week was a little challenging when it came to our search for new investigators..But I feel like every rejection brings me even closer to the Savior..He was rejected by the world. His own people crucified Him..3 nephi 9:16"I came unto my own, and my own received me not."

I love every aspect of the mission. I love learning every day and growing closer to the Savior..

Another miracle: We had 20 minutes before we had to be home one night...We had no idea what to do..Hermana Fletcher felt like we needed to go finding somewhere so...she picked Target! haha...we walked around, passed out English class flyers and began to leave the parking lot. Hermana Hosking saw a young man pulling all of the shopping carts back into the store and she said, "Lets stop and give him a pass along card!" She hopped out and gave Michael a card..Since then, we've been texting him..He wanted to come to the devotional last night and bring a friend but something came up..He worked during church..but he wants to meet with us this week! 

Amazing things happen when you open your mouth! You'll never know who is ready until you speak to someone!

I hit my 8 month mark today..wow..i really am in disbelief..Is it possible to love your mission too much? I don't think so :)

We had zone conference this week! Remember how I spoke at the last one? Well, I had to speak again! I totally thought that I'd be off the hook but nope, I got called yet again! There is nothing more intimidating than speaking in front of 100 missionaries! I'd rather get hockey pucks shot at my head! Just kidding, I loved the opportunity that I had to uplift my fellow missionaries..

After the talks, there was time to bear your testimony..An elder who came out with me got up and spoke...holy smokes..i was in awe..When we were in the mtc together he told us that he was there just to make his family happy and to follow his brothers' footsteps..Well, he is a completely different person and I almost began to cry at the mighty change of heart that I witnessed. Missions make you into the person Heavenly Father created you to be. I know this work is true and I know that it is through the gospel of Jesus Christ, our human natures are changed and we become more and more like the Savior as we put away our needs and turn out to God's children.

The church is true.

Love,

Hermana Emma Seymour

some of the kids in the trailer park that we taught...they sit in the back of our car and we teach :)

                        i love walking the dusty streets and finding the Lord's prepared children!

                                                              yay for trailor parks!

CLAYTON CAME BACK!! he visited for a few hours this week so we took a lunch break and saw him! He's the best!

February 24 2014: "I believe the Book of Mormon is true." - Horacio Rodriguez

What a week! Every night I pass out from exhaustion and it feels so good to work until I collapse haha..

As you can see from the subject of the email, Horacio believes the Book of Mormon is true! We finished our night last night by teaching him on his doorstep. We shared a scripture about how the Book of Mormon is the record of the ancient inhabitants of the people in the Americas, his ancestors..I felt prompted to bluntly ask, "Horacio, do you believe the Book of Mormon is true?" He smiled and said, "Do you believe it is?" Without any doubt or hesitation I said, "Yes!" He looked down and said quietly, "I believe the Book of Mormon is true." Relief and peace swept over me at that moment..Horacio has been to church 5 times in the 6 weeks that we've been teaching him. Some people just take longer than other to get baptized so I know that the day will eventually come.

I don't know if I ever mentioned this before but...we organized a all-spanish fireside! And it happened last night! We invited two other wards/branches from Conroe (30 minutes) and Bryan/College Station (one hour away)..It was a huge success! We invited all of our spanish speaking members, less actives, and investigators..We fasted all day yesterday for it....and the Ruiz's and Araceli Pimentel (return missionary who is now LA) came! That's a big deal people! Brother Vasquez from the mission presidency and Bishop Rivera from the Brazos Ward spoke on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This was my first time attending an all-spanish meeting and wow, it was amazing! It was so fun to sing the hymns, pray, and hear the talks all in spanish! And I actually understood all of it! We had members from our ward give musical numbers..Brother and Sister Manning (young couple) sang "El Cristo Es" or "This is the Christ"....woooowwww SO BEAUTIFUL. The Spirit just flooded the room and I firmly believe everyone there was touched by it.

Aside from the amazing fireside, we had more miracles!

 Last Monday, we went to Jose Sanchez's (super prepared family that we taught two lessons to) to set up a return appointment..He came out of the house and explained that he's just going to stick to the bible for now..But if God tells him to come to this church, he'll do it...My heart broke into a million pieces..I felt so sad for him and his beautiful family..They chose to reject the pure and true Gospel of Jesus Christ..I can't even begin to imagine the pain that Heavenly Father has to go through as He watches His children reject such plain and simple truths..Even those who come to know it's true can still choose to reject it..We all have our agency to choose.. So after that heart-breaking moment.. we went tracting in a trailer park (surprise surprise)..The first house we knocked and placed a Book of Mormon with him. The second, we placed two BoMs with these two brothers from Mexico. We talked with them for a long time about the need for the BoM and they loved it! Once of the brothers, Juan, wanted to begin reading 3 Nephi 11 (when Christ comes to the Americas after His resurrection) right on the spot! He was so excited! When we went back for a return appointment, he talked on and on about how much he has read and we could see there was an amazing light in his eyes that wasn't there the first time we met him. I love finding- There's so much hope and excitement when you find new people to teach. I love seeing their potential...picturing them dressed in white, standing in the waters of baptism...I love being a servant of the Lord!

For "power hour" (6-7 pm every day that's devoted to finding), we went to a random trailer park off of the highway in hopes of finding some new people to teach...It was filled with white people..Don't get me wrong, we're all children of God! But we ONLY talk to hispanics because that's what we've been called to do..Preach the gospel in spanish. Seeing that we had driven all the way out to the trailer park, we decided to knock on a door before we needed to return for an appointment...We walked up to one trailer and the front door was open and a long-haired, shirtless man sat on the couch. AWK. It was too late to sneak away without him knowing because he saw us at the last moment and said, "What do you loonies want?!?" Hosking turned away and whispered, "Walk fast, now!" We did what she commanded and the guy ran out of his trailer...We awkwardly turned around and apologized lol...

The next house we saw, there was a woman sitting outside, smoking..We introduced ourselves and she said that she has family who are LDS...She had never heard of the Book of Mormon before so when we told her it answers the questions of our souls (Where did we come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? etc..), she was so excited! She said, "Really? I've always had those questions and the churches I've gone to always tell me not to ask questions." I held up the Book of Mormon that was in my hand and said, "Well today is your lucky day because you get to receive a copy of the Book of Mormon!" Her face lit up with pure joy and surprise :) We got her contact info and hopefully, the elders can begin teaching her!

Wanna hear some more exciting news?!? Krystin Ulassin (18 year old who was baptized Dec. 1) IS GOING TO SERVE A MISSION! How freaking awesome is that?!? Ah!!! I love her so so much!

We've begun to teach a new family this week...Victor Lopez's brother...He's married and has two beautiful children :)

On Saturday, we were Victor's trailer park and the kids always see us...This time, when we got out of the car, they all came running and screaming towards us...We opened the back of the Jeep and they (10 kids) began crawling in it haha...We gave them pass along cards and pictures of Jesus :) We then said, "Do you want to hear a cool story?" They screamed with joy and ran around finding chairs to to sit on..they all sat in front of me as I told them the story of Ammon how he cut off the arms of the wicked men who tried to take the king's sheep..To act it out, I grabbed the two tennis rackets from the back of the car and gave one to Hermana Fletcher while we "attacked" Hermana Hosking...The kids LOVED it...I gave one of them a Book of Mormon and they all sat in a circle and began to read to each other! six year olds! Holy smokes, these kids are amazing! I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!

After the fireside, Hermana Ruiz pulled me aside and said, "He (Hno Ruiz) came because of you! They better not take you away! I know we're not supposed to get attached to missionaries but we love you so much!" As she said this, tears welled into her eyes and I was filled with inexpressible love for her and her family. I teared up as well and threw my arms around her and said in return, "Le quiero mucho!" (I love you so much) It took me aback to see the love she had for me and to see that I had really made a difference in someone's life...Hermano Ruiz is the one holding the family back but Hermana Ruiz could still come..I know that I don't understand how hard that must be but hopefully, this fireside lit a fire under them and they'll come back to full activity. 

I love helping bring people to the Savior. We're all at different levels..whether we're baptized or in active or a fully active member, we all need to be brought to the Savior. Every person matters and is of great worth in the sight of the Lord. You are special!

I know that this is the Lord's work and He's is not going to let anything stop it.

I love you all!

Hermana Seymour

                                                       

                                                      This is the definition of Texas!

yayyy for tejas! (how it's pronounced in spanish)

this is the son of the breeder's cup champion....one of the Harris' many horses..We went on a safari today!