Monday, July 27, 2015

Week 16 (7/27/2015)

Hello everyone! 
Long time no talk.
Well, these past few weeks have been full of ups and downs! But, these past weeks have helped me really be grateful for my family and for the gospel and for all the things that it teaches us. This week I really was able to view the influence of my family in my life and I just want to express how grateful I really am for my parents my grandparents my aunts and uncles and cousins and friends and all the great examples that I have had in my life! I know that without you all I wouldn't be here and my life would be completely different. Thank you all for everything you have done for me, for your love and support and help in the times when I needed it most. 
This week we were able to meet a lot of new people who really have a desire to change their lives and follow the example of our Lord which really is the greatest thing to see as a missionary because we can help them. Although its always difficult because it is a big life change, we can see the joy that they have through this change. 
I had the opportunity this week again to renew my testimony and love of the Book of Mormon and the power that this book has and the guidance that we receive from the Lord through this book. I challenge everyone to start today to read the Book of Mormon a little every day and see the difference that it will make. 
Also, this week a man brought his oven onto the collectivo....... and a woman brought three bags full of chickens, that were alive........ also there was a huge hole in the ground next to where I was sitting and I was able to watch the road pass by the whole journey and hope and pray that every time we hit a huge bump it wouldn't expand and kill me. 
I hope all is well!! I love and miss you all!!!
 Happy Birthday to Brittan and Aunt Danielle and Uncle Mitch and all those I missed these past two weeks!!! Also congratulations Mikayla!!!!!! your wedding pictures are beautiful!!!! 
Happy birthday Teague this Wednesday!!!! 
I love you all!! 
Love Hermana Speakman
 Threw a surprise birthday party for my birthday in June !

Monday, July 6, 2015

Week 13 (7/6/2015)

Hey everyone! 
This week was changes, I am now in a new area, Yukyry! Pronounced (jew-coo-rue) Its awesome!
 It is a lot different than Pedro Juan, a lot less wealthy and more country. I love it. Its how I imagined Paraguay to be. I have a new companion from Peru, her name is Hermana Diaz. 
In this area they speak a lot more Guarani.... which I don't speak haha but it'll help me learn, hopefully!
 We visited a family that is less active and their daughter showed me around her yard, and introduced me to every plant and the clothes that were hanging to dry.... and I understood none of it. She only spoke in Guarani! haha it was crazy I just said a lot of "mhm!" and "en serio!?".  
This area is a lot bigger we have to take collectivos everyday which are buses, that could blow up at any second, to visit the people. Its a new experience! Humbling and great. 
I hope everyone is doing well! 
Happy Birthday Braidee and Gordon!!! and happy late 4th of July!! 
Miss you all!
 Thank you for your love, support and prayers! 
Hermana Speakman