How A Cockroach Was An Answer To My Prayer :))

A long time ago, back before the mission began and corona was born. I was 16 years old, chilling in my house and absolutely terrified of little spiders that would sometimes show up in the gray carpet. Well guys. I just can't tell you enough how much the mission has changed me.

Cockroaches really like our kitchen, and for us - that's really a good thing. Every morning when we turn the lights on, 5-6 baby cockroaches sprint to the nearest corner and BOOM. They're gone. Well not gone entirely. Some of them ( the ones that have dodged multiple shoes) like to make sure that we know that they're there. On Wednesday morning, during my morning prayer I asked for the energy to do my burpees. Well guys. My prayer was answered. I looked to the left of my bed, and a huge cockroach a size too big to describe, ran from that corner of my bed up to the wall. Really just taunting my height. But don't worry guys. I learned an important lesson. God answers prayers in mysterious ways. Haha. 

This week, I really was studying on how God answers prayers. Because sometimes, if we're really all honest with ourselves - recognizing an answer that comes from God is just plain difficult. And what happens if you just don't feel anything? 

This week, I watched an amazing video about how this father faced a personal challenge. One remark that I'll always remember is as follows " we make the biggest most important decisions when we feel something" when we feel the spirit, we get baptized, when we fall in love, well there's the ring! But what happens when it's just radio silence? 

Do we just give up? Or do we take on the challenge and show our faith? The times when we DO NOT have answers really is when Heavenly Father shows us his trust. It's an act of love, not a sign of abandonment. :))

On the other side, well this week was pretty good. We had transfers and Hermana Hyer went to a different area. Now, I have Hermana Pitzak as my companion. She was originally serving in Argentina, and she has the same time in the mission as me! Which will be 9 months on Thursday. What the heck.

Did I mention, we have this cute Peruvian family in our ward that I absolutely adore? Every week we teach them English and in return they cook Peruvian food. We have a good system going on. :))

Thank you all so much for the emails. It means so much. Email me if there's something I can do for you guys!

Love,

Hermana Pulver 

Do Missionaries "Hike"? Read Below To Find Out.

Hey!

If you have ever wondered what young people wearing small, black name tags, serving away from home experience, I highly suggest reading the poem "highs and lows". So far every line of this poem has come true.

This past week I came to understand this part:

"You'll never travel through more valleys

You'll never ascend so many peaks"

It seemed as if nearly every appointment we had canceled on us. At first, it was really discouraging because we had tried everything in our power to have a "flawless" week. Haha but as you know, a perfect week doesn't exist.

On Friday, we had zone conference in person. And man. I didn't know how much I missed social interaction until we were in the church with more than 5 people. There, President Marsh talked about the personal ministry of our Savior. When Jesus Christ was on the Earth, he too was rejected. So why are we surprised when we experience the same? 

Jesus Christ taught with the authority of God. And still, people did not recognize the veracity of his teachings. However, those who did choose to accept his gospel - lived it in a way that they were able to become examples for others. Because of our agency, we all have the power to truly decide if we want the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be true. And, if that answer is yes - why not give it our all and "start with the end in mind" ( Ezra Taft Benson :). When we are truly converted to Him, we show it in our countenance. And when we are faced with rejection or valleys, we can choose to ignore discouragement and look for the opportunities or peaks. This week I'm going to try my best to look for new peaks :)

I love you all,

Thank you for all your emails and support.

Let me know if there is something I can do for you guys here in Georgia

Hermana Pulver 

Are You A Morning Person? If So, This Email Was Specifically Written For You ;)

Hello,

To all of you morning people, I am going to tell you one thing. You have my respect. Every morning at 6:30am I practically roll out of bed with foggy eyes half consciously planning when I can take a nap. Then the morning gets better and exercise time starts at 6:45am when I practically have the coordination of a 5 year old. However, the best part of the morning is when I have finished working out and I can lay down on the deck and stare at the spider-web covered ceiling. This is the time I have to think. One question I have continued to have is what in the world is going to happen with missionary work? 

Well, unfortunately no one knows. So we go on to the next question. Why do I feel so awful, when I know other people are suffering worse than I am? Well- I did actually find an answer to that one. My companion and I traveled to the office of our foreign language mission senior couple and there- I read a Time magazine that literally spoke to my heart. And so haha to all of you faithful readers, here it is " during this time, we have to find enough self compassion for ourselves to realize that even if all of our needs are being met, we are not okay." We cannot and should not compare our situation to that of anyone else to justify our mental state. And the best part is that when we don't lie to ourselves about how we truly feel, we allow God's comfort in our life. 

Because God knows us individually, he knows that this time is full of miracles as well as challenges. However, he does not hold us to an expectation of perfection. He expects us to struggle, but he also gives us His hand. 

Also, this Sunday we went to a members house to take the Sacrament with one of our amigos Leo. Leo is a 17 year old boy who has been going to church for a while, and fortunately for us is dating a member! Anyways we walk into the house and the family is in the middle of talking about the Plan of Happiness. The plan that God has for us where we can live eternally as families. Well one question came up: what is the difference between immortality and the word eternal? Haha soooo this is where it gets interesting. One cute girl maybe 14? Responds by saying that Vampires were indeed immortal, but with wooden stakes they could be killed. But just to clarify her point, she then went to explain how the movie the mummy demonstrated the same principle. Logically, the people in Egypt had to cast a curse to destroy the mummy's immortality. And ended with the conclusion that we too, could die.

Meanwhile, while all of this is going on. LEO HAS THESE HUGE EYES. I mean I can't blame the guy. After all it was the first time I had heard that vampires and mummy's have a role in God's plan. Haha but really it was a night I won't forget.

K. Thank you for all your emails. They literally make my day. Have an amazing week and don't forget to do something that makes you smile. Amen and Halelughiah

Love,

Hermana Pulver 

What Is The Oddest Thing In Georgia?

Hola amigos!

These past two weeks have been very difficult.The adjustment to Georgia has not been so easy. Frequently, I catch myself reminiscing about when I was in San, Roque, my old amigos, the "familiar mission work", haha even the ridiculous summer heat. However, as you can imagine, this type of mindset can put anyone for a loop. And oh boy it definitely has put me for one. 

A couple weeks ago, I met a Sister who was just about to come home. The Sunday before she left, the mission held a zoom call for all the departing missionaries. In the meeting, she shared one thought that I will never forget. "The mission is supposed to break you". At first when I heard this, I was like well if anyone, ANYONE knew that no one would step on the plane. Haha and if they do decide to take that plane ticket, maybe they're a little crazy. However, these past couple weeks have made me think of the opposite. Without humility, we can not and we will not change. Without his Atonement we may not ever learn of His strength or how willing he is to help us. And without that plane ticket, we refuse to go on what could be the greatest spiritual adventure of our lives. Guys. The mission is hard, haha this past week I wanted to go home so bad. But I am choosing to trust in Him. To trust that maybe his Plan for me is something greater than I could ever plan for myself in my whole lifetime. And every night I have the opportunity to show my humility on my knees by asking for His strength, His hope, and His power.

Also, to answer the subject line. The oddest thing in Georgia has to be the ducks. Hahaha they are incredibly ugly in the nicest way possible. Also duck crossings are actually a thing. Right now, there are a freakin ton of baby ducks. So naturally, whenever they feel like it. "Mom" and her 12 ducklings cross the street and literally stop traffic. Like 7 times a day. This is not normal guys. People do not stop for ducks. Or maybe they do? Ehh shoot me an email if I'm wrong. Haha

Alsoooooo. Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes. They meant the world to me. Haha also a birthday in "quarantine" is a little bit different, but let me tell ya.... it was a p.a.r.t.y.

Love you all!

Please if there is anything I can do for you guys, LET ME KNOW :))

HERMANA Pulver