Mission to Paradise: September 22, 2014

Hola!

Three baptisms this week!! I always get a little worried that something is going to happen, but all three have amazing faith and everything went well! You might think 5 baptisms is a lot for my first 6 weeks, but it is because our area hasn´t had any baptisms for two or three months, so there are more people ready now. But these three I taught all of the lessons to, so they weren´t from that drought. Pretty exciting stuff! All three are great! "R" and "J" are excited to learn more and our Young Mens program is great in this ward, so that will be good for them. "C" has been ready for years, and she will be a great addition to the ward as well!

Sad story... My puppy, the one that follows me home every night and licks my legs, and the one that I named Amigo, got hit by a motorcycle. :( We watched it happen and he yelped and ran to his house and into his bed and it was sooo sad! But the next morning he was back in the street licking my legs, so he wasn´t hurt too bad.. Still pretty sad though. :( I miss my puppy Suki.

Funny story... I hear people here say " Gracias adios" a lot. And that means "Thank you, goodbye" right? We yesterday I figured out they are really saying "Gracias a Dios" which really means "Thanks to God"... And that makes a lot more sense....... Oops.

I had my first real interview with President Wilkinson today and it went well! He is great and he is doing an amazing job here in Costa Rica. Hermana Wilkinson is awesome too! I am sad I don´t get to be with them for my whole mission, but I am sure the next President will be good too. We talked about the importance of staying sane and recharging your spiritual battery. For me, he suggested I read from the Book of Mormon for 15 minutes every day in English. And to not worry about Spanish for those 15 minutes, I will have plenty of time during the day to worry about Spanish. I haven´t been doing this yet, and I loved his advice. I have been trying to read in Spanish, and I am not getting as much out of it. It is very important to recharge your spirit every day. And in the language you understand best. ;) Hahah. The scriptures are giving to us to learn, feel the spirit, and understand Gods plan for us. We have been asked to study our scriptures every single day. Not just for fun, but because it is what we need. I hope you all have a great week!! And learn from your scripture studies! Thank you for all of the love and support! I love you all! Be safe and happy and healthy!

Love,

Hermana Markle. :)

Items of Business...

1. Hermana Garner goes home in 5 weeks, she extended 4 weeks to help train me. But Hermana Uribe goes home in one week. We will probably get a new Hermana next week. They like to keep the nurse in a Trio.

2. I like my little umbrella for now, it is easier to carry. And you get wet either way, so it doesn´t matter much.

3. I take the English medical calls now, and still listen to the Spanish calls. But I am supposed to be taking all of them. I have 5 more weeks until I am on my own completely though!! Good! We still get about 4 or 6 calls every day, but nothing too serious.

4. Look at you being all famous mom! But now that Elder Oaks posted a picture of the missionary map you and Marleen made, everyone will be copying you, or think you copied him!

5. Brandon. You would really love the sour cream here. It looks like Mayo, but tastes like amazing sour cream. Its a little sweeter, but still really good. I could drink it. So I think that means you could eat a bucket full.. You should try it one day! I forgot what its called though, sorry...

6. Kami you look older. Stop growing.

7. I love you all!!!!!! Adios!