Christmas

What a WEEK! Man I love Christmas. Christ lives and God loves us SO much that he gave us His son so that our imperfect little human selves can have a way to repent so that "mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircle  [us] in the arms of safety". We can be clean and joyful and live with God again! (Please read Alma 34, it's so beautiful). God wants you back more than anything. I know that the "great and last sacrifice" that Jesus Christ made really was a sacrifice, it was unimaginably difficult  It was nowhere near easy. This quote helped me understand:

"Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on joy!

And what was the joy that was set before Him? Surely it included the joy of cleansing, healing, and strengthening us; the joy of paying for the sins of all who would repent; the joy of making it possible for you and me to return home—clean and worthy—to live with our Heavenly Parents and families.

If we focus on the joy that will come to us, or to those we love, what can we endure that presently seems overwhelming, painful, scary, unfair, or simply impossible?"

-President Nelson, Joy and Spiritual Survival, Oct. 2016

He did it so that mercy could satisfy the demands of justice, so that we can have faith to change our very beings even when we know we can never be perfect. My other favorite quote I found (haha lots of quotes):

"Live according to the best light you have; and if you do you will receive all the glory you ever anticipated"

-Brigham Young

We are so blessed to have the light of the gospel in our lives. The gospel doesn't mean we are perfect nor does it expect us to be perfect. It is the PROCESS that helps us to live according to the best light we have, in any given moment, and that is all that God expects :)

Ok thanks for listening! That was long this week haha.

So Christmas week. Pretty exciting! And monumental. We look forward to Christmas so much, I can't believe it came! And went. I can hardly believe it.

 The Christmas culture here is a little different, maybe because there isn't snow, or maybe because the city isn't quite as homey, or maybe because most of the Hispanics that we work with actually celebrate Christmas Eve, not really Christmas day. It's just different. But was fun!

 

We had a district white elephant activity and dinner on Monday, our Elder from Mexico made some legit carnita tacos, bien rico. 

Christmas Eve! After district council we had some little lessons with a few people we are teaching, then went to B'more (ice cream place) for the last time (it closes for the winter)  with a less active member who was having a hard day. 

Then we got to help some members made tamales! Well, we were only there to help cut up potatoes, we didn't actually get to do the rolling part. But it was still fun. 

That night was actually kind of crazy, we were supposed to have a big dinner with a family but it wasn't ready in time so we had to leave and then our bus never came and then we had to run from a creep and we got home super late. Haha that'll be one to remember. 

Christmas was so fun to talk to you all! I am SO grateful for all the super thoughtful gifts!! I felt so much overwhelming love. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Christmas we made some sugar cookies (I can't believe I didn't get a picture, they were beautiful! (thanks to grandma Swan's Christmas cookie cutters!!)) and took them to people that we were teaching with a little Christmas message. We also got to eat some tamales which were super good. We had dinner with Mary at a little taqueria and it was so fun but I underestimated how spicy it would be and was basically crying the whole time haha. Miracle there, we were waiting outside and we found a man named Roberto! He's cool, hopefully we'll meet with him again soon. Then we gave our leftover cookie bags to the homeless people. It was a special day. 

The rest of the week was honestly not the easiest week I've had, things were kind of stressful. We had a relief society Christmas dinner but the person bringing the food was two hours late because of work, and we had someone we were teaching come so that was awkward and stressful to make her wait two hours. But we think she's ok hopefully. 

We taught English class on Saturday, that was fun :) I love the people who come, they are so great and learn so quick. I love to hear them learn to pray in English, it's so sweet. 

We had some really awesome lessons this week and found several people! Miracles. God is in even the little things, like the fact that we didn't have dinner one night and we were knocking doors and someone was so sweet and gave us tamales! Haha yes lots of tamales. Good thing they are way yummy. 

God loves us so much! Please read the scriptures to feel His love. This gospel is His and it is for all the imperfect and hurt and broken so that we can through all, still find joy. 

I love you!!!!! So so so so so so so much!!!

Love, Hermana Peck

It Must be Christmas Time!

This week I've been so blessed in so many ways! And it's Christmas so everything is just extra wonderful. Aaagh I love it so much. I think I'm also blessed that I'm really not as homesick as I thought I'd be, like it would be nice to be there, but I'm really just happy that you're all together and that things have been so fun. I'm excited to see all the things you've made!!!!  

We've really seen the hand of God in the work this week. We've tried extra hard to try to focus lately and it's made a difference. But it's really still in the little miracles. 

Tuesday was Christmas Conference!!! IT WAS THE BEST!!! We had a bishop come talk to us, and he was an amazing speaker. He focused on working with and showing appreciation for the members. It gave me a whole new perspective. We love our members SOOOO much! But sometimes we forget to show it in the way we need to. So shout out to all members everywhere. You make our life and thank you for all you do.

President Mutombo's instruction was so spiritual. We watched the Christ Child and refocused everything on Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate gift. 

Epiphany: sometimes when we talk about giving back to Christ we think that what Christ wants is our "bests". Really He wants our worsts, the things that to us are ugly and broken and hurtful. Those are the gifts that he wants to receive. They are beautiful to Him because He sees the potential that only He can bring when we CHOOSE to give it to him. It's beautiful. So think of that thing you are tired of carrying and give it to Jesus. He thinks it's beautiful because you are all beautiful. Perfectly. Ether 12:27 "then will I make weak things become strong unto them". 

At Christmas conference there was beautiful music and great food provided by the ward there (thank you!!).

One of the best parts was that President dressed up like Santa Claus and came in during lunch and it was HILARIOUS! His laugh is the best, funniest thing you've ever heard. It's more like a "heeheehee! I'm black Santa!". So funny. 

Then we went and caroled with our zone at a nursing home and that was really special. 

Two big miracles this week: 

(First one written by courtesy of Hna Whitehead because I didn't want to type it all out haha).

On Friday we were sitting in a potential's house and this was like one of the first times we had gotten in with her so we were getting to know her and as we were talking, this guy walked in. This is pretty normal because generally more than one family will live in one house together, so we said hi and asked him his name and as we were starting to introduce ourselves, HE told US who we were and said the whole name of the church super fast. We were like, "Oh! So you have heard of the church before?" And he goes "yeah for like all of my life." Honestly, we didn't think much of it! That is pretty normal for people to know the church! So we kept going along and now we were teaching both of them. But, during the lesson like 3 minutes later, he starts rummaging in his bag and pulls out this card. He hands it to me and it was a TEMPLE recommend! He fooled us so hard. Turns out he has been inactive since he moved to the United States because he lived super far away from the church, but he just moved to this new house and said he would come to church. He came and he even came to the English class!

Second: (Courtesy of Hna. Whitehead listening to spiritual promptings!!)

An appointment fell through so we decided to walk to a member and we decided that we were going to find someone while we were on our way (lots of people on the street). We're walking and then I realize Hna W isn't with me and I turn around and she's on a doorstep. With a sign in English. Look we do not knock doors very often and if we do we look for the ones that look Hispanic and this one looked far from it. But you can't ignore those spiritual promptings haha! This guy in his 20s answered and sure enough he was from El Salvador. He was like, do you want to come in or talk on the porch? Jaws dropped. Turns out he studied religion and wants to write a book on religion. He was a little confused about why we didn't have the same church as before Christ as after Christ (he was actually using the terms temples and covenants!!). It was one of the most spiritual experiences as we were testifying that we do have God's church on the earth today, that we do have temples and covenants so that we can receive the blessings of God. He didn't come to church like he promised but he messaged us to tell us he was sorry so that's amazing! Such a miracle!

We had a lot of solid lessons this week and Mary came to church. We had a beautiful program. Hna. W and I sang twice, La Primera Navidad (spur of the moment haha) and Getsemani. Made me think of singing with Dad :)

Saturday we had a service activity giving out bags of food and hot chocolate on a really busy block in Highlandtown (lots of Spanish speaking people there) and it was a HUGE success! 

We found a lot of people! It's so fun to just be able to stop random people and talk to them about beautiful things like Jesus and the Gospel. I'll miss that when I'm not a formal missionary. (like i still could but...) I shared a verse about the Resurrection to a woman from Hong Kong (@MaddyPeck) and she had never thought about it before!! We are so blessed to have this knowledge.

I'm so excited for Christmas. Thanks for all the thoughts and letters and I love you soooo much!!!

Love, Hermana Peck

God's Hand

This week we saw God's hand direct us in many ways.

We missed the bus -- twice!  One bus came and left and then another bus came and left while we were stuck at the stoplight across the street.  But while we were waiting, we felt impressed to talk to a lady on the street.  She asked which church we belonged to and when we said "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" she replied, "I'm a member of that church!"  Apparently she was baptized in Honduras along with her mother many years ago.  Her mother still attends church but she had forgotten about it.  She was excited to attend church again.  Miracles. 

Also we knocked the door of a woman named Patricia and she invited us in and we read from the scriptures and then she came to English class! That was cool.

We had exchanges (me with sister summers) and I taught a mini lesson in Spanish all by myself!. One day this week was SOOOO cold! Like, a cold I have never in my life felt. You felt like were actually freezing, it goes right through all of you. Ouch. So cold.





We were fed a spicy soup and my mouth was burning!  They gave us a Coke and I thought it would help the heat, but it didn't!

We ate pig stomach at a birthday party.

We decorated cookies with the young women. 

Hmm... we have a solo next Sunday for the Christmas music program! we had a service project Saturday morning making bags of food to give to people on the street as we carol. We're giving them out next week. Hmm I think that's the gist... it was a fast week. I'm happy. I'm grateful for the time I still have left. I'm excited for Christmas conference tomorrow!
Love, Sister Peck

Light the World!

I can't believe it's already a week into December. Christmas will be here so quick. We've been using Light the World in so many lessons, I love it! The light the world videos make me cry every time. Guaranteed. 

It's been a spiritual week. I'm really grateful because I haven't felt this much of a spiritual high in a second. I found yet again that the scriptures are the key. If you ever need clarity, or peace, or fulfillment, or to remember your purpose/identity, go to the scriptures and "Diligently seek". Let the Holy Ghost help you learn and understand what you're reading and it will help you in your very moment/situation of need.  

1 Nephi 10:19

On Monday we went to a recent convert's home. She's been going through a lot lately, we don't know what, but we were able to call one of her original missionaries into the lesson and that was really special for her. We talked about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. How that is how we are and can do anything and how He helps us carry our burdens. So beautiful.

Tuesday we had district council, knocked some doors, had dinner with a member, then sticky noted the door for Mary (the 16 year old) with spiritual quotes and love you's and stuff. She was really touched :)

Wednesday we went up North a little ways to a less active sister. They were making some very authentic taquitos and they were so yummy. We talked about the Christ Child video (https://www.comeuntochrist.org/light-the-world/the-christ-child) and she said we could come back and watch it with her sometime. So sweet. Then that night we had a lesson with a family that's trying to make it back to church. We're teaching them the 5 missionary lessons. Their dad was there (first time I've met him) and he shared a very powerful testimony. I know it meant so much for his kids to hear it. They are going to try to come to church. 

We also got to go to a mutual activity because Mary went and I got to paint a little, it was a tender mercy.

Thursday something super special happened! So I have been praying so much to find those who are actually ready to make and keep commitments and on Wednesday we knocked on the door of someone previously taught and she didn't live there anymore but this woman named Cara did and let us right in and when we set some expectations and she completely accepted to take the lessons and find out for herself if it was true! So elect. She was such an answer to prayer. I'm praying so hard for her. We'll see her again this week. 

Friday we had interviews. They were such a spiritual experience. President is such a charitable man, and so inspired with the scriptures. I learned a lot. 

Saturday was a funny day because we went to teach the English class at 3 but no one came. Then we were supposed to have a Relief Society activity at 4 but then it got moved to 6 but no one told us...so we had 3 people (two who aren't members) have to wait 2 hours oops... but it turned out alright! We made Mexican cookies for all the less active sisters in the branch. Something I so admire about this branch and this culture is that they give everything they have, and God blesses them for it. They take no thought for themselves, and God gives them baskets of loaves and fishes back for it.

Many of you asked what Maryland's like right now. Super cold and humid but no snow yet. They said Wednesday it might! I sure hope so. It doesn't feel quite like Christmas except that we are trying to #LightTheWorld! We do the prompts as best we can :) 

I love you all more than I can say. Thank you so much for your words and prayers of support. 

Love, Hermana Peck

Everyday Miracles!

Hey everybody!! Thanks for the letters this week, it looks like it was so much fun!! I would love to have just a little bit of your snow, I am really ready for the Christmas spirit!

And as much as we're trying (making gingerbread houses, listening to Christmas music, watching ALL the Light the World videos on repeat) it just isn't the same without snow. So hopefully soon! 

I am so impressed with that arch, Chris! That is so super cool! It's going to be so weird to come back to Main Street looking completely different...

Thanksgiving looked so fun. I sure was thinking about you all very much. I love you and I miss you and I'm so grateful for our beautiful wonderful family.

My Thanksgiving was really fun here too. We had a brunch with a member earlier on in the day, and it was so yummy. She made us scrambled eggs with pickled peppers and onion and FRESH TAMALES while she showed us how to make flan. Loved it. 

Then we came home and weekly planned and make tons of cookies. We put them in baggies with upliftinig phrases and #LightTheWorld. 

After dinner, we parked in downtown and gave them to the homeless people. It was a really special experience. For dinner we went to a member family's house. They are a couple from Mexico. She is a chef and made an amazing prime rib, turkey, potatoes, lemon asparagus, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie so it really was everything I could have hoped and dreamed for Thanksgiving. It was a super fun day. 

As for lessons this week we had two with our focus family, George and Jamie. They are so cool! Only, we found out that we are going to have to have a wedding before they get baptized. Yay, two parties! But they came to church and stayed both hours and during Sunday School were testifying of how they have seen God's hand in their lives. They are elect. 

Other than that this week we had a few member lessons, and knocked a lot of doors. In one picture Hermana Whitehead has her handwarmers on her ears under her hat because it is SO cold. I'm grateful we have the buses though, I feel so bad for missionaries who are just on bikes or foot. 

We did get to Bmore Licks twice this week, because they changed their flavors to Christmas flavors and they are way too amazing for their own good

English classes this week were really good! We had 3 people come and those who couldn't are trying for next week. It's such a great opportunity to get them in the church building to feel the spirit.  

Hmm what else...Kind of just another week. I'm jumping on the gratitude bandwagon a little late this season since it's already past Thanksgiving but this next week I'm really going to try to see the little miracles that God performs all day every day. Life itself is a miracle. Mormon 9:11-13

         11 But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are.

12 Behold, he created Adam, and by Adam came the fall of man. And because of the fall of man came Jesus Christ, even the Father and the Son; and because of Jesus Christ came the redemption of man.

13 And because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ, they are brought back into the presence of the Lord; yea, this is wherein all men are redeemed, because the death of Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection, which bringeth to pass a redemption from an endless sleep, from which sleep all men shall be awakened by the power of God when the trump shall sound; and they shall come forth, both small and great, and all shall stand before his bar, being redeemed and loosed from this eternal band of death, which death is a temporal death.

This is truly the greatest miracle. Everything is intertwined with this divine plan. I'm going to be working this week to remember that the miraculous part isn't just when Christ comes again, the miraculous part is every moment we're living right now. I invite you to all to try with me to apply the Atoning power of Christ into our day to day actions. Because of Christ every moment is a step back to Him and Heavenly Father. It's beautiful. 

I love you all!!

Love, Hermana Peck