June 16, 2014 One good week :)‏

Hey there :) It is getting stinkin' hot here in Texas! :) What about in Utah? I'm not complaining though... :) It could always be worse. I'll have a nice tan when I come home ;) 

Monday night we had SUCH an indredible lesson with Luiz and his girlfriend. He had told us that his girlfriend would probably be interested in the message we share as well. When we got there they didn't have a lot of time because it was late. So we shared Joshua 1:7-9 and we talked about how the Lord is always with us and He will never leave us alone. When we were sharing his girlfriend started to cry. I can't even begin to explain it :) Looking at both of them I could see they were feeling the Spirit so strong. They really weren't even hearing our words. You could tell the Spirit was saying to them exactly what they needed to hear :) 

We also had a really good lesson with Catalie. Have I told you about her? She is Dariela's cousin that just got here from Honduras. I have been praying so hard lately that God would lead me to the people we need to find or that they would be led to us. I truly feel that He has led her here to us. She is SO ready for the Gospel and more mature than I think any other teenager I have ever met. I see her having SO much potential. It's amazing the love you have for those you serve. I would truly give anything for the people I am serving now to receive eternal life one day. 

Tuesday we started something awesome with Lizeth. She has a true desire to be baptized but it has been a struggle for her. So we made a journal for her to write what she learns after every lesson and also keep track of her "homework" or the committments that we leave her every time. We promised her if she does enough of her homework that we would have a small party :) So far... she has kept every, I repeat EVERY commitment we have left her!!! It truly is a miracle :)

Wednesday was a real adventurous day! At 9:00 am we went down to Allen to help the Elders move a family in. They are an INCREDIBLE family from Mexico. They just moved up here from Arizona and the missionaries helped them move down there. They don't know too much about the church but they have sure been grateful for the help. They are going on a trip to Mexico for the summer but they will be coming back and said we could come over when they get back. So as you can imagine.. while we were moving their stuff it was SUPER HUMID and hot. I was sweating like a little piggy :) But that's alright, it was good for me! In the middle I had to go to the bathroom SO BAD. But I didn't want to go with everyone in the house. So my companion and I went down to the front to see if they had a bathroom... on the way I stepped in dog poop :) And we never ended up finding a bathroom. We were dying laughing :) And of course... she lived on the 3rd floor :) Let's just say I have ROCK SOLID calf muscles!! By the end, all of our legs were wobbly. But we were sure glad to help! 

Even though we were hot and sweaty we figured after a quick shower we'd be fine. We got home.. showered, ate, etc. After a few minutes Hna. Allen was feeling super sick and ran for the bathroom. Let's just say the rest of the day she became real good friends with the toilet :) The poor girl was throwing up for hours. I made her a bed on the bathroom floor and when I went in she was trying to tell me if I had a weak stomach to get out when she threw up just as she finished telling me :) Good thing I don't have a weak stomach. The poor girl :( We think it was just a mixture of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Needless to say, she is feeling a lot better now :) That night the English sisters didn't have appointments so they came over and brought Gatorade and saltines and Sister Wyss and I went out to a few of our lessons. It all ended up working out! And she feels totally fine now so that's the good part :) 

On Thursday we got to visit La familia Ajuero. Neida is such a sweetheart. If you will, keep her in your prayers :) She wants to be baptized SO BADLY but needs the permission and support of her family first. So if you will please keep her in your prayers :) 

On Friday, Hermana Moore (my old companion who is now a sister training leader) came here on exchanges with me. It was a BLAST :) She goes home on July 9th so it was fun to spend one last day with her. It blows my mind because when I was with her she had 3 transfers left. Now she is going home and I have 3 transfers left. It makes me realize how fast it is going to go. I want to enjoy every second :)

It was a crazy surprise and Hermana Moore's aunt lives in my area so we ended up eating dinner with her. Hermana Moore had no idea! It was too funny her reaction :) That day we also had a really good lesson with Catalie. She had never heard of Joseph Smith or any of it. She said it would be a hard change for her because she has grown up without it. But she promised us she would pray :) She said it all made sense and that if she had faith God would answer her. She is amazing :)

Saturday we had a really fun lesson with some less actives. We did the tea bag lesson :) The kids loved it! I'll show you when I get home. It was really awesome because on Sunday they came back to church! The little girl is adorable :) She was doing my hair all of sacrament :) i will try and get a picture of her the next time I see her! 

Sunday was really good! We didn't have any investigators but we had that less active family come to church and that was really good. By the way...HAPPY FATHER'S DAY :) I hope everyone had a really good day :)

There have been a lot of changes in our little branch lately. We are hoping to see a lot of progress with the changes that have been made. Yesterday we got to go to the hospital and see another new baby! Our recent convert told us there was a family who needed a lot of help and we got to go to the hospital and meet them and share a little bit of the Gospel with them. We are hoping to be able to teach them and get them baptized :) 

This morning was fun! The members we live with have a tennis court. So for exercise this morning we played tennis :) Hermana Allen didn't have her contacts in so that was pretty funny! Oh yeah, and all week we took care of the Ragsdale's dogs while they were on a trip. It was a blast :) I felt like I had my own doggies back! Almost :) We were dying laughing because one of them jumped in the pool after the ball. Too funny :) I'll send a picture!

 

Well, I hope y'all had a good week :) Thanks for everything you have done for me!!! I know this work truly is the work of the Lord. It's not easy... but it brings true joy. I truly know that one day all of our sacrifices will be made up! Every day, wake up and choose to be happy. Choose to serve the Lord. Just trust in Him :)

Until next week, love y'all!!

The one and only Hermana Hadlock :) 

My companion when she was sick.

Me and Hna. moore :)

Pirate and Lucy :)

June 9, 2014 Wow... :)‏

Ya know... today is one of those days when I couldn't be happier :) As missionaries... (just like everyone else) we have days that are so amazing you could scream like the little girl from Despicable Me "It's so AMAZING I'm gonna die!!!" :) and then there are others we are struggling to take the next step. The important part is though, we keep going. Heavenly Father knows we will fall. The important part is standing back up. :) 

Last Monday I think I got to tell you about how we went to Suzeth's graduation from the 5th grade. Her older sister who isn't a member was going to we got permission to go :) Later that night we had an INCREDIBLE lesson with Luiz and Jacqueline Loya. They are Suzeth's cousins. We hadn't really gotten the chance to teach the brother before. As we were ending the lesson he looked me dead in the eye and asks, "You really believe we can become completely clean from our sins?" I looked him right back in the eye and told him I knew with all my heart that through Jesus Christ every single one of us could be forgiven of our sins and become completely clean and white again. He then proceeded to say.. "I haven't been the person I want to be. I'm not the person I want to be. I want to change." Both of us had tears in our eyes. Those are the best words a missionary could ever hear :) I love being a missionary!!! :) 

Tuesday we had a zone meeting. I always learn so much from the other missionaries. Have you ever had something on your mind and when you get to the meeting it is the exact topic that they are teaching that day? It seems to happen to me a lot. With God, there are no coincidences :) Only little miracles that let us know He loves us and is aware of us. 

On Wednesday we got to teach Claudia. When we stopped by she was looking very frazzled. I guess her husband had been in the hospital and a whole bunch of other crazy things had been going on and she hadn't slept in forever. It was so interesting to me to see the difference in the look in her eyes from the time we got there to the time that we left. There was a peace :) It's amazing what the Spirit can do. Claudia has a ton of friends that are members of the church. They have been a really good influence on her and that has helped us so much as missionaries. It's funny... coming on my mission I have learned how to be a better member missionary. I thought it was the missionary's job to find, teach, and baptize people. In some ways that is true... but honestly the best way to find is through members. They know the area, the people, they have a friendship already established, and they know what people are going through and how we can help them. We as missionaries are here to teach those the members need us to teach :) I want to be better at that when I go home. 

On Thursday we had 2 really awesome lessons. The first one was with the Ajuero's. Naeda is still dying to get baptized but hasn't gotten her mom's permission who is currently in Mexico. We watched the Joseph Smith movie with them and you could tell it hit them really hard. Many times people, including me, don't really understand all the sacrifices people have made for the Gospel. People have sacrificed so much because they know it is Christ's true church. It hit us all pretty hard to watch some of their stories :)

Then we had Karen Vasquez. She is the part member family. We had an AWESOME lesson where we used cupcakes and taught the Plan of Salvation. Her kids loved it and might I add we made some stinkin' delicious cupcakes :) Not to brag or nothin ;) Only joking. I couldn't believe it though because it was the first time Karen or her kids had EVER, I repeat EVER made cupcakes :) Karen and her kids seem to be doing really well with the things we are teaching them. Her husband is really nice and we are hoping to get him more involved :)

Friday was a rough day. We came home without a single lesson. I was pretty distraught when my companion (Sister Allen) looked at me and started laughing and said... "Now it's my turn to welcome you to the life of an English missionary!" :) We both got a pretty good kick out of that and had to chuckle :) Since she has served in English her whole mission until now, the work we are used to can be pretty different sometimes. 

Friday we also did service at Chestnut Square. They are getting ready for their annual "Ice Cream Crank Off" so it was fun to help out! It's an event where a TON of people come and they make homemade ice cream the old fashion way and then people go through and taste all of the different flavors. We are going to try and help out with it next Saturday so if I am lucky I will get to taste some ;) 

Oh YEAH!! Also, it turned out to be a blessing we didn't have lessons because Verenice had her baby :) We got the chance to go to the hospital and see her and her cute new baby :) It was bittersweet because she is only 16. I know it will be hard for her raising a baby at only 16. It made me grateful for the knowledge of the Gospel I was raised with and happy for her that she has the desire to be baptized and start a family on the right path :) 

Saturday a huge miracle happened! The Elders introduced us to a family they had found. I think there are a total of 8 or more in the family that could get baptized. IT IS A HUGE FAMILY! And all of the kids are above the age of 8 :) Pretty much every missionary's dream. We haven't got to teach them a ton but the oldest son seemed really sincere and interested so I am excited to see what happens! Keep them in your prayers :) 

On Sunday we were kinda sad because we had a ton of people that said they would for sure be at church this week but all of them ended up falling through. But Heavenly Father never lets us down :) Remember Dariela? She is a recent convert. I guess her cousin just barely got in from Honduras and she brought her to church with her. She was teaching her all about it during church :) I am so excited to start working with her and really feel like she could be baptized! 

Also funny story... we had to make a few changes with the missionaries and how they did dinners in the ward. With that and a recent change of our relief society presidency we haven't really gotten hardly any dinners from the members lately. We were running low on groceries so my compa and I got creative :) We made pork and beans with Spaghettios :) Hahah!! Don't worry, we are honestly fine :) We just had a good laugh about it. I am sure the dinners will pick up again here soon. So I'll send you a picture of our gourmet dinner ;) 

I love you and I am SO grateful to be a missionary at this time! My compa and I listened to the conference where they made the announcement of the age change the other day and it hit me once again how grateful I am to be out here :) TEXAS is amazing and I can't lie... a little Texas pride is rubbin' off on this gal ;) This morning there was a HUGE storm enough to wake both my compa and I up! I love the rain :) It reminds me of the country song there's holes in the floor of heaven. Heaven truly is close :) Thanks for all you do to support me and my dorky self :) Thanks for loving me even though I can be a little crazy! 

Love y'all! -Hermana Hadlock :) 

June 2, 2014 Heavenly Father definitely has a sense of humor :)‏

Ya know... sometimes I get really worried for when I am old :) Because right now, my mind is almost exploding trying to think of all that happened in the last 2 weeks. The funny thing is.. I'm pretty sure I've said that before and don't remember saying it :) So I guess when I'm old, I'll just have to make lots of new friends all the time so when I share the same stories over and over they'll still be fresh and funny :) Ha!

How are y'all doing?? Man, do I have news for you :) So...  not to shatter all of you being so proud of me... but remember how I was supposed to be training? Well, we got to transfers and I was shakin' in my boots from being so nervous. Sister Larsen, one of the senior missionaries asked me where I was going. I told her I was staying and training. She then told me there was no Sister Allen coming in as a new missionary. I couldn't figured out what had happened. Turns out, the Assistants who made the call meant to say I was training in Spanish instead of training a brand new missionary :) Hahaha! So I got Sister Allen :) She has been out 1 transfer longer than I have but has been serving as an English missionary the whole time. So we have been practicing her Spanish! I am so proud of her :) It has definitely been an adventure for both of us... but we are making it work! :D 

I'll start with this last week and then try to remember what happened the week before that to get y'all caught up :) Monday, Hermana Asay and I went and had lots of lessons and she said her "see you laters" to a lot of people. We were both crying and laughing pretty much for 3 days :) It was so bitter sweet. 

Tuesday we drove down to Dallas and I picked up my new compa Sister Allen :) She is awesome! It is also so hard for me to switch companions because I love them so much but this time I did a lot better. I decided faith not fear and Heavenly Father truly has been guiding me. We had a lot of lessons on Tuesday and a lot of people that committed to come to church! It was fun translating in the lessons. We got to teach Karen Vasquez. She is an absolute sweetheart and is a part member family. It was funny because Sister Allen actually found her in English and referred her to us and now we are teaching her again together. Too funny :) 

Wednesday we had district meeting! I always love our meetings. I learn so much every time. We learned about the power of the Book of Mormon in conversion. It truly is so powerful!  

Thursday we went down to Allen and we got to teach the Ajueros. Remember Naeda?? She still is DYING TO GET BAPTIZED but we haven't gotten permission from her Aunt and Mama.Keep her in your prayers. I really know that one day she will be baptized :) I feel like she will serve a mission as well. You can just see it in her eyes. She LOVES the Book of Mormon and was like Hermanas? I finished the other stuff you gave me to read... what else should I read?! :) She also watched the Restoration like 5 times by herself. She is a sweetheart :)

That night we also had a lesson with Jose Rios. He is a really nice guy and actually stopped to help the Elders helping someone with a broken down car. During the lesson he didn't really want to listen though and is so so confused about who God is and why we are here. It makes me so sad to see good people who are so confused and can't find the truth. That is why I love being a missionary. We are here to help as many as we can. And the best part is, we aren't the real teachers. The Holy Ghost and Heavenly Father are. We're just here as instruments in His hands. 

I've got to say we're pretty good lookin' instruments ;) Nah, just kidding!

On Friday we got to go to service. I LOVE service. We got to set help them set up for a dinner they were having for Farmers Market. I guess all the farmers provide the food and then the chefs prepare it and they get to come and eat what they've grown. I want to bring y'all back to Chestnut Square and downtown McKinney one day. It is SO STINKIN' CUTE :) 

Saturday morning we had the opportunity to take Dariela and Hector to the temple. It never ceases to amaze me the Spirit you can feel there. The flowers are all in full bloom so it was a gorgeous day. We talked about eternal marriage and invited them to get their recommends so they could come and do baptisms and eventually be sealed together forever. There was a  couple that had just gotten sealed so that was fun for them to see :) 

Sunday we didn't end up having anyone at church... but we will next week! Last night we taught the Restoration to Karen Vasquez and her husband. I really see him having a lot of potential. He is shy right now and hasn't really had to much of a religious back ground but I can see that he has a good heart. So keep him in your prayers :) When we got there they had gotten us pizza! We haven't taught the Sabbath Day yet. Even though it was a Sunday, it was so nice of them :) 

This morning we got to go to Suzeth's 5th grade graduation! It was the cutest thing ever. I can't believe I graduated high school 2 years ago. Where has the time gone?!? I really do want to enjoy every minute of every day because it goes way, WAY TOO FAST. We got to go with Lizeth. She is slowly but surely progressing. Keep her in your prayers as well :) That she will have the courage to do what she knows is right and be able to recognize her answer is from God. 

I love you all :) Sometimes I feel like I can't take another step forward or that I have come to the end of the rope and I don't know what else to do... then I realize Heavenly Father is always here for me and He will never let me or you down :) I may not know everything that I need to be and do in this life... but He does :) Follow Him. Give it all your heart. In that lies your greatest joy :) A joy that will last for eternity. I am learning and growing so much every day. It's hard... but as always, worth it! And I wouldn't have it any other way. I feel your prayers. I thank you for everything :) Hay que seguir adelante!

Les quiero con todo mi corazon :) Son los mejores en todo el mundo!

-Hermana Hadlock 

Also, how awesome is this?!? 

This picture is of Hermana Gibson's (my MTC teacher) mom! 

I found her here in Allen and she went to a lesson with us :) 

(These are the other English sisters. We went and got sno cones together one day! :) 

Reminded me of the good ole' Tropical Sno days :) )

May 26, 2014 A whole not to say and not a whole lot of time :)‏

So I pretty much have 5 minutes on the computer today :) The library is closed because of Memorial Day so they gave us special permission to e-mail on a member's computer real fast. 

So here's what happened this week... We had a baptism :) Gilbert was baptized. The little brother of Suzeth and Lizeth. We got transfer calls. I am staying here and tomorrow I am getting a brand new missionary. For my first time ever I am training. I don't think she speaks Spanish so that will be an adventure! :) Hermana Asay is going to my very first area in Lewisville/Carrollton :) She is back up training. On Sunday, I was asked to give a talk in church and Hermana Asay and I also sang in church. I love you all :) I really have no idea how this next transfer is going to go... all I know is that I am going to work the hardest I can work and pray that God will guide me :) I know He will. I know He lives and He loves me. I love YOU so much :) I am SO grateful for all you have done for me in my life :) Pray for me, okay? :) I'm sure gonna need it :)

-Hermana Hadlock 

May 19, 2014

Happy, Happy Monday!

Ya know... in my premission life Mondays were a day no one really looked forward too. Now, Monday is kinda like a Saturday :) Kinda. Hahah... I'll be honest, as missionaries we really don't have a Saturday. I wouldn't have it any other way :) This time is the Lord's. Monday it was POURING :) You haven't seen a rain storm until you have seen a Texas rainstorm! I wish I could go out and dance in it but knocking doors in it is just about the same, right? ;) 

Tuesday we had district meeting and for meeting our goals we got to go and eat at "Mama's Pizza". It was SO good :) Later that day we had a lesson with Claudia. She is doing well. Her son actually has never really been interested in religion and this last time that we went over he told us "you have caught my attention" and wanted to learn more. I am not sure how long he is going to be here before he goes back to Mexico but I am hoping we can help him and his family come to church and be able to feel of the Spirit. It's so interesting... I have met people of all types on my mission... and even the best of the best families.. when I walk into their home  I can feel there is something missing. The Gospel changes everything and makes good things even better. It really is the whole reason why we are here on this earth. 

Wednesday was SO CRAZY LOCO :) A while back Hermana Asay and I had a competition between the Hermanas in our mission. The prize was getting to choose whichever Hermana you wanted and going on an exchange with them for a day. I chose Hermana Kirkham :) So on the 14th we got to spend the whole day together. This is where she started her mission and she actually served here for twice as long as I have been here! So it was fun :) We taught lots of lessons and she even taught me a little more about the area! When we got home we took 1 year pictures :) I'll have to send you a couple. That next morning... we woke up and it was May 15, 2014. Exactly one year before that... was the day we were compas in the MTC. Where does time go?!? That night we had an amazing lesson with Lizeth and Agustin. We set a marriage date for them and they accepted! The 14th of June :) They said they had still been praying and that they for sure wanted to get married in that day! We couldn't be more excited for them :)

Thursday we celebrated my one year mark and worked hard!!! :) Hermana Asay and I were both so stinkin' tired. But we just kept truckin' :) She is the best compa in the whole world... and she took me to Texas Roadhouse. Someone from home had sent her money and told her to go out to eat with her compa so she was super nice and took me out to eat there! It was SO delicious :) My first time eating Texas Roadhouse in Texas :) 

Friday morning we had the opportunity to go to the temple!! I haven't got to go since January so it was a real treat. Honestly, when I get home I want to go to the temple every single week! Maybe even more than that. It is one of my favorite places in the entire world. Every time I go I am reminded of the reason why we are here on this earth and the plan that God has in store for us. Hermana Kirkham and her companion hadn't been in forever either... so they went on the same day for her year mark as well! So I got to see her again :) 

That night we had a ward activity to celebrate Mother's Day! All of the men came and cooked dinner :) I ate some tacos right off the grill! I really am going to have to make you real tacos when I get home :) They are so GOOD! I am pretty sure that and Hispanic cheesecake are my 2 favorite foods I have had in the mission. We had A TON of our investigators that came. They all seemed really comfortable as well and seemed to make really good friend in the ward :) It was the coolest thing ever... for the first time ever in my life I got to see "Fireflies". I didn't know they were here in Texas! Jackie Franco ran up to me and she was like Hermana! There are fireflies :) I didn't believe her until I looked over by the trees and saw them for myself :) They were so cool!! She actually ended up catching one and giving it to me :) It was a good time. Our investigators all loved it :) 

On Saturday we had the chance to go to a baptism down in Richardson. Hermana McDonald is serving there right now and a family got baptized that Hermana Asay and Hermana McDonald found on their exchange. So we got to go for Hermana Asay :) It was one of the most powerful baptisms I have ever been too. It was a mom (that was actually a less active) and her three boys that were baptized that day. Theit testimonies were SO INCREDIBLE!!!! It's honestly the best feeling in the world and makes every second as a missionary worth it :) We also celebrated Gilbert's birthday :) He is the little brother of Lizeth. He is getting baptized this next Saturday :) We couldn't be more excited! 

Sunday was awesome!! We had Lizeth, Agustin, and Irma in church :) I was so happy to see all of them there! They all really seemed to like it :)

Missionary work can be hard.... but there's a reason over 80,000 young men and young women and countless others in the world give up time of their lives to serve.. because it's worth it! We are affecting eternity :) Even when it seems like there is no progress... keep working :) The Lord can work miracles through you.

-Hermana 1 year old Hadlock :)

This is Lizeth making the face :) Too funny! 

May 12, 2014

Howdy Y'all :) 

Well... 

IT SURE WAS FUN TO SEE AND TALK TO YOU YESTERDAY!!!!! :) Even though I wasn't a bawling mess this time... it still made me so happy to see you and it still was hard to say goodbye :) I can't wait to see you 6 months from TODAY in the airport!!! :) Anyone and everyone is invited to come :) Anyhow, I am so excited to be a missionary. I don't think many of us really comprehend, myself included, what the Lord is doing in His vineyard right now. These are the last days and the Lord is hastening His work. I am so stinkin' grateful to be a part of it! As are you :) 

This last Monday we had an incredible lesson with Verenice, Lucy, Aby, and Angel. They have been really struggling to come to church. We talked about our purpose as missionaries and how we are here to bring others to Christ but that they need to do their part as well. They committed to come to church for the week! :) 

Tuesday we went over to see Claudia. She has SO much potential. We just have to get the ball rolling and I know that she will be a power house one day. Her son just got here from Mexico and sings opera. He also has crazy talent with the guitar and piano so she had him play for us when we went over. It was incredible! IT definitely made it an exciting lesson :)  

Later that night my compa and I were walking down a street visiting a few more people when a truck pulled up next to us. It startled us at first. It turns our it was a member who was on missionary exchanges with the Elders. My companion looked at me and said something so simple but that hit me so hard. She said.. "Man, I love when we are caught doing missionary work!" :) I feel the same :) I love that when people find me in the street... they find me doing the work of the Lord. May it be the same for all of us. When others see us, may they see us serving others and being the hands of the Lord here on the earth, doing as He Himself would do if He were there. 

Wednesday we had an INCREDIBLE lesson with Lizeth. Every single one of us was in tears. We talked about the importance of following the Lord and the importance of DOING IT NOW! We really have no time to waste. Time is one of the most precious gifts we have on this earth to prepare us to be the people we are meant to be when we return back to our Father in Heaven. So let's get goin' :) 

Thursday was a special day. It was my brother Michael's birthday so my compa and I went and bought him a balloon that said "FELIZ CUMPLEANOS" and let it off! We sang Happy Birthday to him in Spanish while we watched it disappear. That day it poured rain. It reminded me of the country song..."Lord, when I get to heaven, can I taste the milky way? Am I goin there to visit, or am I goin' there to stay? I can't wait to see my grandpa. Can I have a pair of wings? And do you think God you could use another angel, to help pour out the rain? " I truly felt like the heavens were open :) "Cause there's holes in the floor of heaven" (another country song) I know he is probably a missionary just like me right now and is teaching and inviting others to come unto Christ :) Feliz Cumpleanos Michael!! 

That night we also found a new family that are sweet as can be. We are excited to see what will come of it :)

On Friday, we invited Lizeth and Agustin to be married on the 14th of June! :) At the end of the lesson Agustin said the prayer. When we all got off our knees... they were both crying. They are going to pray and see if that's what God wants for them. So keep them in your prayers :) I know that marriage is a commandment of God and it's our goal to have them sealed for eternity one day :) It will bring them the greatest happiness. 

Saturday we were driving and I saw this girl walking on the side of the road and felt like I had to pull over. Even though I felt kinda like a creeper you don't say no the promptings of the Spirit :) I've learned that lesson 1 too many times. We had a lesson with her right there on the sidewalk and she set up an appointment for us to come back. Her name is Araceli. 

Later that night we also saw La Familia Ajuero. It's La familia Ajuero that has Naeda. She wants to be baptized so bad but just needs permission from her mom. So keep her in your prayers that her mom will say yes! We also met her grandma that just got here from Mexico and she cried during our prayer. So we are excited to start teaching her!

Yesterday in church we had a really cute program. They gave us Hermanas a rose and told us Happy Mother's Day with all the rest of the Mothers! It was nice of them. But I was definitely thinking I'm for sure not a mama yet! :) Hahah. Then later, I got to call home!!! It was SO GOOD!!! 

Now, I am back to work :) I'm going to take the biggest nap of my life when I get home. Until then, I'm going to give it a 110% and work the hardest I have ever worked :) See ya in the airport in exactly 6 months :) I always joke with my companions... the mission in like cookies. I had 3 when I started. I've eaten 2. I only have 1 cookie left to enjoy so I better make it good! :) 

Everyone of us in on a mission here on earth away from home. May every one of us love others around us and work hard.. and one day RETURN WITH HONOR to our Father in Heaven. 

Love always, the one and only Hermana Jennay Gump Hadlock :) 

Excercise at 3 in the morning. Hahah! 

This was our 3 for 3 week :) We only made it one day!!! 

She took this right after we let it go :)

May 5, 2014

FELIZ 5 DE MAYO!!!!!! :D 

I am sure it is quite the celebration in Mexico today :) I haven't seen to many celebrations here but that's because we haven't seen any of our investigators yet today! I am excited to see them tonight and see what they are doing to celebrate. From what I understand... 5 de Mayo is kinda like 4th of July here :) 

So this last week was amazing!! Every week on my mission never fails to teach me something. I don't know that I'll have as much to share this week because I forgot my memory card at the house and that's how I usually remember what happened over the last week :) hahah! Man, I have the memory of a grandma :) I'm scared to see what it'll be like when I really am old. 

I'll start with Wednesday! We had exchanges Wednesday :) Hermana Asay and I had a record high of 20 lessons with members present a while back. (It was a huge miracle and a huge blessing!) Anyhow... because of that the prize was we both got to pick who we wanted to go on an exchange with out of all the hermanas :) Hermana Asay chose hers and so we did that exchange this last Wednesday. I went with Hermana Gubler! She is a brand new missionary! It was the craziest experience for me. It was like I was looking myself dead in the face 1 year ago :) She was telling me her struggles with Spanish... asking questions about how the mission runs... and just being her cute 3 week missionary self :) I was so blown away at how incredible she really was! And I just kept thinking to myself... Just keep going :) You've got this :) You can't imagine all that lies ahead of you. I can't help but think that's how Heavenly Father must feel sometimes... He watches us through our struggles and He thinks... just keep going :) I've been there before! You got this :) You can't imagine all I have in store for you and all that lies ahead :) 

Although it was fun to be on an exchange I am always super happy to get my companions back :) The Lord has blessed me so much with the most amazing companions!! On Thursday, Hermana Asay came back and we got to work. We had a lesson with the Ajuero familia. I haven't talked about them a ton but they are amazing. We found them and they really liked what we were teaching but couldn't seem to give up the Catholic traditions. There was 2 sisters (the moms) and their daughters. One of the moms just went back to Mexico. Her daughter, Neida is still here. Neida texted us after the lesson and told us that she has questions for us but is too shy to ask them in front of her aunt and cousin. She came to church on Sunday and told us she wants to get baptized but her mom doesn't think she is old enough. She is 13 right now. So we are praying that her mom's heart will be softened :) Y'all should pray too! She is the sweetest thing in the whole world and wants it so bad. I could SO see her serving a mission :)

Friday was just pure insanity. We have had a competition between our zone for the last month called "McKinney Madness". There were a ton of events that had to do with missionary work. MY compa and I have been doing SO GOOD!!! Well... we made it to the finals against the Elders in our district. The challenge was "Line in the Water" (aka how much time we are out proselyting.. so studies... eating, etc. doesn't count) and number of baptismal invites. We decided to go 3 for 3!! We were going to wake up at 3 AM for 3 days to beat the Elders and win a trip to the temple. On Friday... the alarm went off at 3 and we were out of bed! It was nuts :) We had a day of miracles and contacted SO MANY people! Nevertheless.. by the end of the day... we were WIPED OUT!! WE decided there was NO WAY we were doing that for 3 days :) Hahah! 

Sunday was awesome! We had Neida, Jacqueline, and Jeffrey at church :) Then after we got to answer Neida's questions and she told us how she wants to be baptized :) It's so funny... I have seen so many times in my mission where a child can understand the Restoration and well-educated adults can't. Children are so in tune with the Spirit. There is good reason why Christ tells us we need to become like them. We as adults become way too distracted sometimes. Anyhow... we are praying she will be getting baptized here soon :)

Later that night we had one of the COOLEST experiences :) Gladys Knight and her choir " SAINTS UNITED VOICES" came and did a fireside here in Dallas. Last night, we got to go with our recent converts!!! I really wish I could just take every single one of you and let you experience it yourself :) Gladys Knight told her story of how she came to know the church. So did her husband :) Her husband is African- American as well and he shared the most awesome story. He said that he wanted to know why God has chosen Joseph Smith. His exact words were... why God had chosen a "Little white boy". He was praying and got the answer... "I didn't choose a little white boy. I chose your brother." We truly are brothers and sisters no matter what race. We are all God's children. They basically taught the Restoration, bore testimonies, and sang! :) It was INCREDIBLE. This Gospel truly is for all people :) There was this cute little old man in the choir as well. He BELTED IT! I've never heard someone sing like that. Afterwards, I got to shake his hand :) It made me remember how much I loved choir and singing in high school. Who knows.. maybe one day I'll go for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir :) I got lots a work to do!!! Hahah :) 

The work here is great :) I have grown SSSSOOOOO much is this last year on my mission. Ya know.. what President Hinckley said was so true. "You will cry more tears leaving to go home from your mission... then you will cry leaving for your mission." Something like that :) Also, "What seems to be one of the greatest sacrifices, will in turn become one of your greatest investments" There are quotes something like that. I thought when I left on my mission I was giving up SO MUCH. There were times... I wasn't sure I could do it. But I put my faith in Him. In this last year...I have seen myself become more of the person God would have me be. I still got a looooonnngg way to go :) Love y'all!!!

Have a stellar week :) tu favorita, Hermana Hadlock 

p.s. I will send more pics next week. I forgot my other memory card. This is Clara and Gilbert :) Clara is getting ready to serve her mission here soon!