6 month mark! Can you believe it!!!!

So, I honestly feel like this last week went by so quickly... and the same with the past 6 months. I finished my 6 month mark on my mission on the 9th of Jan and its a crazy feeling. I honestly don't feel like I have been out that much time or that I have much time left on my mission even though it’s a year. Everyone always says that but I dont think its something you can understand until you live it. haha

So this week was interesting. We woke up on Saturday to find out that our neighbors brother passed away, so that was really sad! He was in Guacimo for all of December and January and then went back to San Jose to have a heart surgery and he died during the surgery. So sad. He was way cool and we were pretty good friends. He always told me that we needed to take pictures to send to gringolandia. haha

I think there may be changes soon and I may or may not be affected. Guacimo will always hold a special place in my heart. I have lived, worked and been with the people here for almost 5 months now. I think that the love we as missionaries feel for the people and the places we are in is even deeper than the love from the people in the area love the place. I don't know how to describe it. Words don't do it justice. I have never ever in my life felt so much love for so many people. Sometimes I feel like the love that I have for this place and the people doesn't fit inside me and I am going to explode one day. I love my mission, I love Costa Rica and the people here and I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

I want to say things, I really do. I honestly just don't have very much to say.

Hermano Otilio had his birthday so we took him a cake and sang to him.

We went on divisions and I drank soda from a plastic bag.

Just me and one of my favorite people

Honestly, not much happened.

I love you all a whole bunch!

Yall are great!

Love,

Hermana Gibson

Inspriatioon

Today, I don't really have very much to say. We saw a ton of miracles this week and honestly it was a really good week.My companion is doing so much better. thank you for all the prayers. I got an email last week that I was trying to get my mind off of and so I prayed and asked for help and then something else worse happened so I learned that you have got to be specific in your prayers.

So this week I wanted to share a really cool/ interesting experience that I had with yall.

So when I first got to Guacimo,my very first Sunday, I saw this kid... who was probably about 16 years old, and I asked Hermana Corrales "Hey,what's his name?" and she goes "Fabian, why?" and im like... "I love him and I have to protect him" It was honestly the strangest thing in the whole entire world. I had never talked to him before, ever, and I didn't even speak spanish and I had barely laid eyes on this kid for 5 minutes and I just felt this intense sense of protection like he was important to me and I didn't know why.

Since I have been here I have grown to love this kid more than I can possibly understand. I feel like he is my little brother and it is my job to keep him doing the right things. I think y'all have seen a picture of him and I together. One time my bishops wife sent one to my other bishops wife Sister Willden. Hes super pale and got curly hair but only on the top.

Anywho... I had a dream on Wednesday night that I needed to share something with him because he was struggling and to be real honest I kind of flipped out... not because he was struggling but because I had a dream like that, like a dream that tells you when you need to do something, it was so weird. But anyways we were at his aunts house the next day and he lives super close to there so I called him and I was like "Hey what are you doing?" and he goes " I'm eating with some friends at the bus station" and so I kind of hesitated but I asked him if he could come to his aunts house because I needed to talk to him and he goes "Ya casi llego hermana." and all of his friends are like seriously dude you're leaving? and they got mad and I could here them and he just told them that he felt like this was important. So at this point i'm like ohhh.... my... gosh... This is important and I don't know what I am going to share with this kid... Like I have an idea but I don't know what scripture I am going to share. So I said a quick prayer and asked for some guidance and I opened my scriptures and I saw the perfect scripture. So he got there like 10 minutes later. My companion was talking to her family because she didn't get the chance to talk to them on Christmas so we were there for a while. Son anywho... he came in and I could tell that he was in a horrid mood. So I asked him what happened and he goes "nothing" and so i am like "thats a lie. don't you dare lie to me" so he just sits down on the couch and is super quiet. So I asked him to put away his phone and if we could say a prayer. I was like "I know this is weird but I feel like I need to share something with you. I don't know if its going to help me or if its going to help you but one of us is going to benefit from this experience so if you could please take it seriously that would be great" so he said a prayer and I started. I told him about my past, about how I gianed my testimony, about when I was inactive, the whole nine yards. Then I shared Alma 34 32-33 with him. Well actually I asked him to read it and he goes... "am I reading this for me or for you?" and im like "I already read it" so he reads it in silence... and then just sits there. Now comes the part that brought me to tears. I felt the need to ask him why he was baptized, and he told me "because it was true" and then I got real unomfortable... because I was prompted to ask him something else and I did not want to ask him.. I tried so hard not to but you should ALWAYS listen to the spirit. so I asked him "and do you still have a testimony?" and at this point he gets quiet agian and starts to cry... and just shakes his head... and then he looked at me in the eyes and goes... no.

That is exactly the answer that I was afraid of and exactly why I didn't want to ask him. I instantly started to cry. I promised him that if he prayed that night he would feel better and that he would not have these doubts and he promised me that he would pray and then I said a prayer and he left.

I didnt say anything to anyone but my companion because that night I just started to cry because I honestly did not know how I could help this kid. So I prayed and I felt better. The next day he went out with the Elders and they said he was a little down but atleast he went with them. I have seen him since then and I keep asking him how he feels and he keeps telling me that he feels better.

I saw him yesterday because we had a family home evening in his aunts house and he came because he is friends with one of our investigators and I didnt even say anything this time and he goes "hermana, quería decirle que muchas gracias de verdad. No se como usted sabia que ocupaba ayuda pero de verdad ayudo mucho. Gracias" which in translation means a little something like, "hermana, really, thank you so much. I don't know how you knew that I needed help but it helped a lot. Thank you."

Then his aunt told me "I don't know what you shared with fabi, but thank you. His mom asked me what happened because he came home from my house and was super quiet and just thinking. But now he isn't staying out late and he hasn't been hanging out with this girl and he is being nice to everyone and he is a completely different person. So whatever it was, it worked"

I didnt know that those things had been happening. Had I known, I would have yelled at him for it a long time ago.

I only share this experience because I want to put an emphasis on one thing. Listen to the spirit. It will never lie to you. Listen to what it tells you. Had I not, I dont know what would have happened. I dont know why I feel so strongly that I need to protect fabian, but I get the feeling we were really good friends in the pre existence.

I know that inspiration still exists and that it is a real thing. I am grateful for this experience because it not only helped him but it strengthened my testimony.

I love this country, I love this work, I love the people here and I love all of yall.

Love,
Hermana Gibson

Happy New Years and a Special Prayer Request from me.

Okay sooo... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. =)

First I want to ask for a HUGE favor. My companion is sick, really sick. She has Dengue Fever. It’s like West Nile of steroids. I’m really worried about her because I saw how sick my Momma’s friend Dani got with the West Nile. I can’t tell you how much and how often our family prayed for Dani and her Dr’s and her family. My momma said she can’t heal her but she knew of a guy who could all we needed to do was pray. I’ve always believed in prayer but until then, I don’t think I knew how much my Momma believed in prayer. So please keep my companion in your prayers. This isn’t something anyone wants. There is no cure. I thought that the bats that came into the house would keep out the bad mosquitoes out. We sleep with long sleves and pants and the fan on high with a light sheet over us so the mosquitoes don’t bite at night but they get us still while we are out. I get bitten almost daily at leasst 10 times. I’m not worried about me right now because I’m fine. I need prayers for my sister. You can google the Dengue Fever  if you would like, it’s not pretty. Ok now onto better things that make me smile!

This was honestly the best Christmas of my life so far. On Christmas eve we gave service all day long and then in the night time one of the single sisters in our ward cooked us christmas dinner and it was oh so tasty. I think it was probably the nicest meal I have ever eaten in my entire life and I promise I am not exaggerating. There were candles on the table and everything.

​If you have ever seen the movie cheaper by the dozen I hope you understand why this is so funny. haha so he had the hat on and we were all joking that he was the little kid that nobody loved from that movie all he needed was his pet frog and then when we were digging up some rocks we found a bunch of frogs so it was super funny. I pretty much died laughing.

​

On Christmas we got to call our families  so that was super great. I love my family a whole bunch!

We had a Christmas dinner as a district and made a cake and the elders tried to make fried chicken but it was all raw, so we had mashed potatoes and cake for dinner and had a secret santa type thing which was super fun because we are all poor missionaries so the gifts were hilarious. I am super glad that I have this opportunity to serve my mission and be here during Christmas because I really got to see how unimportant all of the gifts and nonsense are and what Christmas really means. Serving people never gets old, because to see other people happy, naturally makes you happy. =)

I wanted to tell all of you some important things but I don't really have much time. I spent it writing a really long email. haha

Yesterday we caught a poison dart frog and put him in a coke bottle and it had the name David on it so I thought of my brother. I miss you bubba.  One of the Elders took a picture but I don't have it so I will send it to yall next week. Lets see... what else... oh yeah I saw a bunch of toucans and a sloth so that was pretty awesome! I love all the animals around here.

I was thinking a lot about goals and goal setting and it is something that I hope all of yall are doing for this new year. Make sure that they are goals that are reachable but they make you stretch, and then put forth the effort to actually accomplish the thing that it is that you want to do. I love yall a whole bunch and I hope everything is going super well.

I don't know how to express my love for my savior and this work in a way that yall can understand. Everyone tries and I honestly think that until you live it, its not something that you can comprehend. because I tried to understand antes but now I really do get it.

I love my Savior. I know that He lives. I’m forever grateful for the sacrifice that He made for me. For that, and because I know of the happiness that comes from living the gospel. I hope that everyone in this new year 2015, will share the gospel light with someone they love.

I loved this and wanted to share it with all ya’ll

Here are 15 goals from the prophets to help you center your life on Christ during 2015.

Elder Quentin L. Cook said, “I encourage everyone, young and old, to review goals and objectives and strive to exercise greater discipline. Our daily conduct and choices should be consistent with our goals. We need to rise above rationalizations and distractions. It is especially important to make choices consistent with our covenants to serve Jesus Christ in righteousness.”

1. Avoid contention

Today’s world—especially the online social media world—is fraught with arguments and differing opinions. Church members can emulate Christ by being peacemakers even when they disagree with others.

“On the subject of public discourse, we should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention,” Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught. “Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. . . . We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence.”

2. Find more meaning in temple service

With a new temple set for dedication in Utah County during 2015, now is a great time to recommit to meaningful temple worship. Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “Don’t let anyone or anything prevent you from being there. While you are in the temple, listen to the words of the ordinances, ponder them, pray about them, and seek to understand their meaning. The temple is one of the best places to come to understand the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Seek Him there. Remember that many more blessings come from providing your own family names in the temple.”

3. Take care of your body

Physical well-being is closely connected to mental, emotional and spiritual health.

“Take responsibility for your own physical well-being,” Elder Jörg Klebingat taught. “Feeding the spirit while neglecting the body, which is a temple, usually leads to spiritual dissonance and lowered self-esteem. If you are out of shape, if you are uncomfortable in your own body and can do something about it, then do it! … [P]lease use good judgment in what and especially how much you eat, and regularly give your body the exercise it needs and deserves.“

4. Learn more about the gospel

Before Church members can fully live the gospel, they must understand it. Elder M. Russell Ballard taught this important truth:

“In searching the scriptures and the words of past and current apostles and prophets, we should focus on studying, living, and loving the doctrine of Christ,” he taught. “In addition to developing the habit of personal scripture reading, we need to be like the sons of Mosiah and give ourselves ‘to much prayer, and fasting.’ It seems that these things which are not easily measured are of great importance. Stay focused on these simple things, and avoid becoming distracted.”

5. Be a better parent

Children are the future of our homes, the Church and the world. Therefore, the role of parents is of paramount importance.

“It is my firm conviction that there has never been a period in my many years of life when our Father in Heaven’s children have needed the guiding hand of faithful, devoted parents more,” Elder L. Tom Perry taught. “… We must find within ourselves that same determined spirit and overcome the challenges we face with the same spirit of sacrifice. We must instill in future generations an ever stronger reliance on the teachings of our Lord and Savior.”

6. Improve personal scripture study

Prophets have repeatedly counseled that scripture study is essential to gaining a testimony and maintaining the companionship of the Spirit.

“Don’t yield to Satan’s lie that you don’t have time to study the scriptures,” Elder Richard G. Scott taught. “Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it!”

7. Serve someone every day

The small acts of service we offer may seem insignificant, but Elder Jeffery R. Holland taught that when we do what we can, our offering will make a difference.

“A journalist once questioned Mother Teresa of Calcutta about her hopeless task of rescuing the destitute in that city,” Elder Holland said. “He said that, statistically speaking, she was accomplishing absolutely nothing. This remarkable little woman shot back that her work was about love, not statistics. Notwithstanding the staggering number beyond her reach, she said she could keep the commandment to love God and her neighbor by serving those within her reach with whatever resources she had.”

8. Have more meaningful prayer

Improving prayer habits can improve every facet of life. Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “Choose to converse with your Father in Heaven often. Make time every day to share your thoughts and feelings with Him. Tell Him everything that concerns you. He is interested in the most important as well as the most mundane facets of your life. Share with Him your full range of feelings and experiences.”

9. Increase your fast offering

When speaking about caring for the poor, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland asked Church members to be “as generous as circumstances permit” in their contributions.

“Cherish that sacred privilege [to fast] at least monthly, and be as generous as circumstances permit in your fast offering and other humanitarian, educational, and missionary contributions,” he said. “I promise that God will be generous to you, and those who find relief at your hand will call your name blessed forever.”

“Because the Atonement of Jesus Christ is very practical, you should apply it generously 24/7, for it never runs out.” —Elder Jörg Klebingat, Of the Seventy

10. Repent daily

Repentance has some negative connotations, but daily repentance helps disciples of Christ become closer to the Savior.

“Because the Atonement of Jesus Christ is very practical, you should apply it generously 24/7, for it never runs out,” Elder Jörg Klebingat said. “Embrace the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance as things that are to be welcomed and applied daily according to the Great Physician’s orders. Establish an attitude of ongoing, happy, joyful repentance by making it your lifestyle of choice. … Keeping your eyes on the Savior, care more about what He thinks of you, and let the consequences follow.”

11. Have Family Home Evening

As Church members strengthen their own testimonies, teaching family members gospel truths will increase their understanding and increase the influence of the Spirit in family members’ lives.

“Be cautious not to make your family home evening just an afterthought of a busy day,” Elder Richard G. Scott taught. “Decide that on Monday night your family will be together at home for the evening. Do not let employment demands, sports, extracurricular activities, homework, or anything else become more important than that time you spend together at home with your family. The structure of your evening is not as important as the time invested.”

12. Forgive quickly

People who forgive others relieve themselves of heavy burdens that decrease happiness. Immediate forgiveness increases joy and strengthens relationships.

“Forgive everyone, everything, all the time, or at least strive to do so, thus allowing forgiveness into your own life,” Elder Jörg Klebingat said. “Don’t hold grudges, don’t be easily offended, forgive and forget quickly, and don’t ever think that you are exempt from this commandment. Spiritual confidence increases when you know that the Lord knows that you bear no ill feelings toward another soul.”

13. Maintain a clear vision

As Church members set new goals and resolve to become better, it’s important to keep the end goal in mind. Elder Carlos A. Godoy taught this important principle: “Making decisions that can impact our lives and those we love without having the broader vision of their consequences can bring some risks. However, if we project the possible consequences of these decisions into the future, we can see with greater clarity the best path to take in the present. Understanding who we are, why we are here, and what the Lord expects from us in this life will help give us the broader vision we need. … We have the scriptures, the temple, living prophets, our patriarchal blessings, inspired leaders, and, above all, the right to receive personal revelation to guide our decisions.”

14. Evaluate yourself honestly

As people improve their lives and become more committed disciples, constant self-evaluation helps the process continue. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave this helpful formula for self-evaluation:

“[H]ow can we shine the pure light of God’s truth into our souls and see ourselves as He sees us? May I suggest that the holy scriptures and the talks given at general conference are an effective mirror we can hold up for self-examination. As you hear or read the words of the ancient and modern prophets, refrain from thinking about how the words apply to someone else and ask the simple question: ‘Lord, is it I?'”

15. Emulate Jesus Christ

The best goals and resolutions lead Church members toward Jesus Christ. President Thomas S. Monson taught, “As we strive to place Christ at the center of our lives by learning His words, by following His teachings, and by walking in His path, He has promised to share with us the eternal life that He died to gain. There is no higher end than this, that we should choose to accept His discipline and become His disciples and do His work throughout our lives. Nothing else, no other choice we make, can make of us what He can.”

Love ya’ll and I pray for you daily. I hope everyone finds someone to share the Love of Christ with Daily. Pray for it, ask God to put people who are ready to recieve his message in your life. Be ready to answer that call when it happens. God is good and I know He loves us more than we could ever know. Stay safe till next week. I love ya'll

Brooke

BIG NEWS and a few photos!!!!

Howdy Yall

So last week we weren't able to send and photos because where we went to use the internet didn't work with our cameras so I wanted to send some photos because I know its been a while since I last sent some. Perdon if I send some that I have already sent.

I am going to place the pictures and then explain them a little bit. I do however have some things to say before.

Embarrassing moment: So we went to visit an old investigator yesterday. One that has a crush on me... oh yeah... way fun. haha but nah its all good. So anyhow we went to go visit him and he lives with his family on this big orchard thing.... im not quite sure what you could call it other than a finca.... but whatever. So we went to go visit him so we can start visiting him again and we were talking and a bunch of his friends came to play soccer so they got upset that he was talking to us and not playing soccer and I told them that if I could make a goal they had to leave him alone... bad decision.. a bunch of 16-20 year old latin dudes vs. 1 gringa. oh yeah... it didn't go so well. Needless to say I didn't make the goal. But it was a fun experience. haha

​So this was the day of Keishan's baptism. He is super great. It was the first time that our district leader Elder Dale got to baptize someone so it was pretty special for him too. Hermana Jenny is super great. She is a single mom and a rockstar at taking care of her kids.

​This was our first Sunday together outside the church

I made tamales! I know that this will be a Christmas tradition in my family from now on. Like when I am married and have kids and what not... and probably before then too. Costa Rican tamales are soooo good. They aren't just masa y carne. They have a whole bunch of other things too. It is really exhausting making them. Yesterday we made 150ish of them and then today someone wants us to help them but I don't think that we can but tomorrow we are going to be helping. I dont know what we are going to do. We have like 10 tamales in the fridge. Here they are huge and you can barely eat 2. In the states we eat Mexican tamales and yeah they are super tasty but you could eat like 8 and be full here I can barely eat 2. Haha

​

​With President and Sister Wilkinson. They are the BEST and I love them both so much! THEY WILL be part of my family forever! Okay here is some important news!!!!!! Seriously everyone cried and I might cry just typing it.

COSTA RICA HAS 2 MISSIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay so honestly that was the coolest announcement ever. They are dividing the mission. It will start in June or July when we change mission presidents and they are going to send 2! They will be announced in January. There will be the mission Costa Rica West and Costa Rica East. How freaking cool! I can really see the hand of The Lord in his work here in this country. I love this country so much and the people here. Something super cool is that the quorum of the 12 are going to assign us to which mission we will go to. Im super excited. But yeah lets be real... how cool is that? I know that this is the lords work. Right now we are about 280 missionaries here is Costa Rica and we are going to be 500 and something. Imagine how much it is going to change this country. Ahhhh..... Okay Im done.

Merry Christmas! Remember the real reason for the season

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:11, 14).

Christmas is a time that has been set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus; however, the true meaning of Christmas is often lost in the holiday shuffle. People get caught up in who can afford such-and-such gift or who can throw the best party—and they forget to give of themselves. God’s intense love for us prompted Him to give His Son, the greatest gift ever given, that we may enjoy an abundant, God-kind of life. As Believers, we must shift our focus from decorating and shopping, and instead place it on the season’s true meaning by sharing the gift of Jesus with others.

Jesus said all men would know we are His disciples by observing the love we show each other. Listed below are ways to help your family, friends, and co-workers regain perspective on the season and reach out to others in love.

1.Make Jesus’ birth the focus of your family’s holiday celebration. Before you open a present or bite into a turkey leg, sit down with your family and read the account of Jesus’ birth in Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:1-12, and Luke 2:1-20. Let this be the foundation for everything you do during this season. You could even make a birthday cake for Jesus!

2.Celebrate the Savior’s birth by attending Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services at your local church.

3.Give the gift of song and spread joy to others by caroling in your neighborhood, local hospitals, orphanages and nursing homes. A variation to this idea might be to bake cookies for those who are ill or shut-in and deliver your holiday cheer in person!

4.Instill the “it’s better to give than to receive” attitude into your children by volunteering at homeless shelters.

5.Take the spirit of giving to another level by serving your community. Get involved in food drives by putting together gift baskets of food for families in need. Collect new coats, clothes and shoes for these families as well.

6.Fulfill a child’s Christmas wish by delivering donated toys to children’s hospitals (Matthew 19:14).

All these activities can make Christmas a significant time for you, your family and those who may not otherwise experience the love of God throughout the year. If you find these programs are not available in your community, sponsor them yourself with the aid of other Christians. Remember, the holiday season is not the only time people are in need. Show love and be a giver all year long so the world may know you are a true disciple of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

I love you all! Merry Christmas!

Love always,

Brooke

Every week I get frustrated because I start writing in spanish and get halfway through and have to start over. haha

Well... this week was a pretty good week. Its still raining. Its been raining for a long time now. I used to think it was way cool when it rained in the states because it never happens where I lived but then I got here and it's just kind of sucks, it never stops. haha everyone goes inside and nobody wants to talk to anyone much less the missionaries. (Insert sad face here) I have so much I want to share with everyone. My heart is bursting from the love of Jesus Christ!

Well, this week I had a moment of embarrassment when I forgot that it was one of my converts birthdays and I talked to him in the street and didn't say anything to him... oops. thank goodness I remembered when we were in a lesson with his mom. After the lesson we went to buy him something from the corner store. it was super great. I love all of my converts, however, I super love Kevin. My goal in life is to send him on a mission and then he can become mission president one day.

I don’t have much time today, I don't have anytime really but I wanted to share something that I have been thinking a lot about here recently.

Respect yourself and others. Its not really that hard. There are a ton of people that dont go to church or don't do things they should because of other people. While yes, I remember what I said about not putting your salvation in the hands of others, we should also remember to not do anything stupid that has the potential to impede the progress of someone. It doesnt matter what you think of them, it doesn't matter when they have done to you. Be nice. Its not hard. If you dont like someone that doesn't mean that you have to go over the top to be nice to them. Just smile, say hello, and move on with life. If they need help and you can, help them. Dont do anything to hurt peoples feelings on purpose. It makes absolutely no sense. Love everyone and just work hard so that people don't feel like they are less than you. It doesnt matter how much money you have or don't have. It doesnt matter what calling you have in the church. It doesn't matter where you live or what car you drive or what illness you may have or what other people may think. We are all sons and daughters of God and whether you like it or not, He does not love you any more than He loves the next person. He loves us all more than we can possibly imagine, but He loves all of us the same.

I love you all!

Brooke

Meet my new Companion! =)

So this week was rather crazy. First of all.... Bridget was baptized! She is the daughter of Karen who was baptized in October but she couldn't get baptized because she was only 7. Well she turned 8 on the 4th and had her baptism on Saturday. We had a really rough experience with her family the night of her baptism and we were convinced that there was no way she would be at church to be confirmed on Sunday but when we got to church there she was. Not her whole family but her and her sister Brittany were there and she was confirmed. We haven't been back to her house yet but we are going there today and honestly I love this family so so much and I just hope that they will accept us.

We had a lot of eating to do because everyone knew that it is the last sunday for Hermana Corrales and she was here for 9 months so everyone and their brother loves her. I love her a ton too. So the way that ticos show their love is por medio de comida.

Sunday night we went to the Christmas devotional and it was super great. I loved it. Honestly the first time I ever saw it was last year and I honestly love it so so much. I was super happy. The rule was that if we brought an investigator we could come

While we were on our way to Guapiles to watch it they called us and gave us the changes. Hermana Corrales went to Belin, the area where the Temple is here and my new companion's name is Hermana Martinez. She is from Honduras and she is 23. She is super strong in the gospel to be here. She has only been a member for 2 years and she has been on her mission for a almost a year now. I am going to place a photo here... but remember that this is after a LONG day of travel and playing soccer in the rain and we were both really tired. haha

Next, watch this video. I love it.

Preview YouTube video He is the Gift – Christmas Video – #ShareTheGiftHe is the Gift – Christmas Video – #ShareTheGift

I love you all a whole bunch and I am super excited because we get to go to the Temple next week. Have a great week and dont forget that you are always always more powerful than Satan.

Love

Hermana Gibson

Lots to say but forgot my camera, don't hate me.

Hey Y'all!

First I just wanted to say that I forgot to bring my camera so I don't have any pictures this week either. Okay, yes I have them but I just can't send them!

This week was crazy. We had to go on emergency splits so I had to pack in like 30 seconds and then we had to go take a bus. Then we went to part of our area call bosque which is about an hour and a half walking and there is only 1 bus to go and 1 bus to come back so we had to walk every day. haha It was actually great fun.

We had our miracle baptism on Sunday... and guess what?? In the mission we had a goal of 200 baptisms and confirmations in November and Sunday afternoon we had 199 confirmations... but there is a church in guanacaste that has meetings in the night at like 6 for all of the people who work in tourism jobs and they confirmed the last one so we literally had exactly 200 confirmations in the month of november. Crazy huh? It was definitely a month where you could feel the spirit and the stress. haha

Embarrassing moment: Sooo I am sure you are all going to be very surprised but I don't actually remember one! I am sure that something happened but I don't remember what it was. Cool huh? I guess thats a step in the right direction.

I am super excited for monday. We have changes and I feel like a lot is going to happen. Our zone leader elder tai had emergency changes and went to be the assistant so he is in training with the assistants who are dying this change and the other zone leader elder lopez who is going to be the new assistant too. My district leader had emergency changes and went to be the zone leader in place of the elder lopez so now we have a mini missionary here for a week until changes and it is super cool. Hes a convert of about 6 months and is working on doing his papers so he can leave on a mission at his year mark. How strong of a testimony can you possibly have right? so cool. He was telling me that he parents are ticked that he is here on a mini mission and even more ticked that he is a member and that he wants to serve a mission. He was an atheist before so now he doesn't really have any friends and I was just thinking like woah what courage it would take to be in his position.

So yeah... lots of changes coming our way on monday and Im super excited.

I am learning lots of things here... and one thing that I have learned is the the mission changes you.. I learned that a while ago.. but what I learned recently... as in ohh about 45 minutes ago is that it doesn't always change you for the good and that whether you change for the bad or for the good you are going to change so you should do your best to make sure it is for the better. I honestly never thought that I would see someone change so quickly into a negative person but I promise it happens. I know that I am not the most positive person on planet earth but I am definitely working on it and I can tell that I am not as negative as I was before. If you are negative life is just harder. DONT MAKE LIFE HARD FOR YOURSELF. You have enough people throwing negative things at you and you don't need to add more to it. Be happy. Also, other people too, have enough negative people in their lives, the last thing they need is your smart comments and your negative remarks... again, be happy.

I have also been thinking about service. Then I saw this on lds.org

Its really a profound statement. It doesnt matter how much money you have, what matters is that you help the people who are in need.

Well, thats all for today!

I love you all a whole bunch!

Love,

Hermana Gibson