HOLA MI FAMILIA Y AMIGOS!

Hola mi familia y amigos! Soy Hermana Hood de la igelsia de Jesucristo los santos de los ultimos dias. Y estas mi componiera, Herman Baum. Hah... working on my door approach. Definitely a work in progress. 

We live kind of with a member. We live in the loft of their garage. So that's cool! It's little tiny place but it's really all the space we need. It is no "Corning Cottage", however.  

It has been an interesting week. So Monday we drove down to Antelope to stay with Sister Seely. That was a party. We got like no sleep since it was their last night as official representatives of our Savior. I felt apostate but that's normal. Haha. The next morning we had planned that I would go with Sister Duncan and Sister Seely to the mission office and wait there for Sister Baum since the other Sisters wouldn't really be able to pick me up at the time. So we thought we had a genius plan. But, when we got there we realized there was no one to stay with me and they weren't about to leave me alone, thank goodness. Soo... I got to tag along with the departing missionaries to the airport... NOT OKAY!!! It was awful. Haha. I felt like I was going home and I DID NOT like it! It was sooo sad saying goodbye to my "mom" and my "godmother", as we called her. Hahah!!!!  So sad... but it was awesome! I got to meet the only sister that came in. She is so cute. Ah!! The greenie fire is so real. I want a greenie.... but! Now is not the time! Heavenly Father wants me to do something with Spanish apparently! 

I have been trying to soak in all the Spanish I can. Tuesday I said my first prayer in green-go Spanish. Haha. It was really cool though. Simplest prayer I've ever said but I could still feel the power behind it.  awesome how that works!! I have noticed how much the Spanish that have learned from Daddy has actually stuck. It's just in the back of my mind hibernating or something, but it is being awakened!  The spirit is also INCREDIBLE! Man... I have retained way more than I thought I would within this week. Thursday, I kinda tried to testify.. I crashed and burned.. she didn't understand English so ya know.. haha, it's okay though. How else am I going to learn if I don't speak it, even if it doesn't make a ton of sense right now.. We had an Mission Correlation Meeting with the Spanish Branch Mission Leader. He was super kind. He asked me to pray... en Español and read from the scriptures... en Español... no bueno, mi amigos! Bad ju ju! (Don't know how to say that in Spanish.. haha) they corrected me a lot but he explained that it's to help me learn. Of course, I expect them to do that. I appreciated it. 

 We also went to a YSA activity!! It was a riot! We made cookies and took them around to less actives in the ward and caroled to them. The guys made the cookies... so as you can imagine, it didn't go as well as they hoped. Haha in the first batch they accidentally put double the salt. Haha... then to counter it that made another batch with no salt.  It was super fun! Becky, our 'gator on date, came! Haha. She's a funny one...  She has a very interesting profession right now.. She is going to be quitting here in January if the job she hopefully has at the DI doesn't fall through. Please pray for her. She really struggles with faith and the unknown freaks her out. So, we are trying to help her along. She's solid though. She knows she is doing the right thing. 

Another activity the Young Single Adult Ward had this week was their Christmas party. We played ping pong for a little bit and mingled awkwardly to each table... Then we judged the ugly sweater contest! That was exciting. Then, of course, all the rest of the awkwardness of the YSA. Like this one guy coming up and started showing off his Spanish to Hermana Baum. Haha. Our Ward Mission Leader was like "wow... that was subtle.." then he kept coming back and talking to us. 

Then Hermana Baum would walk a little ways away to talk on the phone and I was then cornered.... it was SO awkward... ya gotta love the YSA! It actually was really fun. There were some cool peeps there! Like Courtney!! She's awesome! She comes out with us a lot! 

The other night we went to visit a YSA less active kid named Taylor. I was stoked because it was in English, my native tongue!  He really struggles with Jose Smith (Joseph Smith). This lesson was a prime example of why the spirit is so necessary. We kinda got to know him a little bit and when he was younger he would always hear people talking about how they felt the spirit and everything. He was bothered because he didn't feel like he had felt it before. So he prayed about the Book of Mormon and he said that nothing happened so he just decided to go his own way. Well, the spirit told me to tell him that we weren't there to drag him back to church or even try to convince him that what the church teaches is right. I told him that it has made such a difference in my life that I wanted to share it with him. Then the spirit told me to tell him about my experience with the Book Of Mormon. So I told him that I had prayed about it many times and nothing extravagant happened. A few times I don't even recall feeling anything. So I just went on with life. But I felt like I still needed to read it because that's what I had been taught to do. I hoped that I would get an answer at some point. But as time went on, my questions were answered in the Book of Mormon in a way that no one else could have answered except if it had been from Heavenly Father.

That happened several times and it slowly became my literal life line. When I didn't read it for whatever reason, I felt empty. When I needed comfort, I would open it up and there it was waiting for me. When I wanted Heavenly Father to talk to me, I felt Him through the spirit. But it wasn't till I had come out on a mission that I realized how deep that testimony had burrowed into my heart. I didn't KNOW it was true till I bore powerful testimony of it. But I couldn't have found that out if it hadn't have been for those little acts of faith. By small and simple things, great things are brought to pass. I shared that with him and he really opened up even more. He then talked about how he believes organized religion is just for those who are looking for comradery. 

He feels that happiness can be found in many different places. The spirit, again completely guiding my words, told me to say that I understood where he was coming from. Then a question came to mind. I asked him if he had ever prayed to know if God loves him. He said no. I asked if he would try that. He agreed. The spirit was so incredibly strong... we all felt it. We asked Taylor how he felt. He just said he felt nervous because he had just opened up to people he didn't even know. Not exactly what we were hoping for, but it was definitely a good start. His mom chimed in and talked about how it was HUGE that he had even told us how he felt because apparently there is only a small group that he will do that with, and we were not necessarily included in that group. It was so cool though. I know he felt something. I saw it in his eyes as I testified to him that he is a son of God and God loves him. I knew that because I could feel Heavenly Fathers love for him right then and there even though I had literally met him 10 minutes earlier. Super powerful. I felt so blessed to have been an instrument in the Lords hands to touch this kids heart. So grateful for the companionship of the spirit and for my own testimony that I have been so blessed to receive from the spirit. 

Another lesson we had right after Taylor's was with a kid named Vince. It was funny, we knocked on the door and his dad answered. I don't think anyone has ever been that happy to see us.. Too funny. We talked for a minute then his mom pried Vince away from whatever he was doing. He didn't really let us in much but the spirit touched his heart too. We got to know him and stuff and shared the Christmas video. He said he was about to volunteer at a care facility. We told him that was awesome and that it was a perfect way to share his light and be the Savior's hands. We didn't share anything too deep with him but el espiritu was definitely there.  Hermana Baum is super fun! She doesn't talk much but that's okay! I'll have to crack her of her silence! Haha...  just kidding, she has opened up more as the days have gone on. So that's good. She is awesome though. She's from Abaline,Texas.  she's fun. Super mellow, which I can appreciate. 

This transfer is going to be great! I'm so excited to continue to see the Gift of tongues up close and personal!  I was thinking about how awesome it is to be a missionary! I just love it so much. I can't believe I have been out for over 7 months!!! Crazy... I'm glad I have 11 more to spend serving my Savior and being an instrument in His hands to introduce people personally to Him. I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.  

I love you all! You're always in my thoughts and prayers, when I pray in English. Haha.  thanks for all you guys do!!

 Love, Hermana/Sister Hood

PS ~  I ate some bad pork and have been really sick the past few days - please keep me in your prayers!! I haven't been able to keep any nourishment I've tossed my biscuits & had the trotts so the potty has been my new best friend - I will be asking for a blessing but it has been a really rough time!!  Don't worry I will be ok though.  But all your faith and prayers will help carry me through this rough patch!!

PRE-CHRISTMAS PHOTOS FOR YOUR PLEASURE!!

IT SNOWED!!  TOTALLY MY KIND OF SNOW STORM FOR SURE ~ I CAN HANDLE IT!!

EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT ~ I HOPE THIS IS ALL WE GET IN THE SNOW DEPARTMENT!!  NOT A SNOW BUNNY!!

SISTER BAUM  ~ HERMANA HOOD ~ COURTNEY
YSA CHRISTMAS PARTY ~ WE HAD AN AWESOME TIME!!

I'M GOIN' ZEBRA!! SUPRISE TRANSFER!!

Welp!!

It's a thing! I'm goin' Zebra! Let me tell you the story. So!! Sister Duncan had her departing interview with President Marston. He and Sister Marston invited us both into the room and said they wanted to talk to us about Colusa. We weren't surprised. We thought he might be just telling us some changes being made within the branch or something, which would've been totally normal. But as he started talk about consolidation, it clicked. We were being taken out and Colusa was being closed. Which is actually what is happening. But he continued on talking about consolidation with language missionaries, especially Spanish since there aren't enough Spanish Sisters coming in and we are losing 2 this transfer. He looks over at me and said "Sister Hood, how's your Spanish?" I kinda cracked up and said I only knew a tiny bit. He said, "Well! We would like you in one of our Zebra companionships!" Haha.. I was so stoked!!! He told me that I'm headed to a Spanish speaking Branch and an English YSA ward! He also said that I would be there for more than 2 transfers at least. Spanish missionaries don't move often, that I do know. But I don't know how they do Zebras... so that will be interesting to find out. My companion, Sister Baum, actually served in the Yuba Zone before being transferred the same time as me. I think she came out the transfer after my transfer. So that's pretty cool. I've heard good things about her. 

With Colusa, they won't have any Missionaries here. It's just not one of the priority areas. I understand why. But it's sad for the people that we have been teaching. Like Cynthia, our recent converts Dean, Hannah and Leslie. But President said that there will be missionaries who will cover Colusa one day a week. Which will be good. Colusa is kind of in the middle of nowhere and our area is HUGE. The entire Yuba stake (besides Colusa) can fit into our area. 

We did not see this coming, haha. It's crazy being "6 week shafted". Something President told Sister Duncan was that the Lord made it very clear that He wants me in a Zebra companionship in a specific area. So that will be awesome to find out what the Lord has for me to do, besides learn a little bit of Spanish! I'm excited! It's going to quite the adventure!! 😁 

Well, it's been a very busy week. Sister Duncan had her interview and then she had the departing temple trip. So the other night we drove down to Antelope so we could crash at Sister Seely and Sister Frosts place!! It was quite the riot! Then we packed for 2 days straight. It was the busiest days of my life... so I have completely EXHAUSTED for a couple days now... 

Major tender mercy that you must know about! So! I found out on Thursday that I'm being transferred. Then dad sent me that email saying that my package wouldn't get here until Monday it was freaking me out because we were going to be gone by Monday morning. So I prayed that it would come earlier and that day, Saturday as we were packing like crazy people, we heard a knock at the door and there it was!! Ahh!! I am so excited! I already got into the ginger snaps... I couldn't resist! And we listened to the Christmas jams a lot while we packed! It was awesome! Thank you so much!! 

Oh.. as I was packing, I realized that I have way too much stuff. So I will probably be sending stuff home it gets closer to spring. I seriously have no room.. even using that massive box that you sent my clothes In.. haha. It's kind of ridiculous!! 

It was awesome!! We were able to say goodbye to the Dunlaps and Hannah. We were able to set her on date!! Her and Zach are getting married on the 7th so that's so exciting for them. They are both super solid!! We also said goodbye to a bunch of other branch-ies that you will see in the pictures! There are a couple families that I got pretty close to already. they are so amazing!! 

So one day, driving home from Arbuckle, it was almost snowing. It almost felt like snow but it was still really wet. We were going almost 60 mph and we stuck our arms out the window - It felt like needles pricking our arms. Haha, it was super dumb but we had a contest as to who would last the longest. I won the first time, then I let her win the second time. 😉 haha. 

It was a super busy week!! We had a day were we had 8 lessons, so that was awesome. It's going to be a crazy week this week too!! I'm so excited for this new adventure where my water doesn't smell like rotten eggs, HAHA!!!! Just kiddin... mostly. Oh! I also found out that I have awesome people in my zone who had been in the Anderson zone while I was in Corning. So that will be AWESOME to see them again. 😁 

I'm sure I will have exciting things to tell you about next week! I love you all so much! Thanks for all you do! 

Love, 

Sister Hood

PHOTOS FOR YOUR PLEASURE AND ENJOYMENT!

I LOVE THESE PEOPLE SO MUCH!!!

SO MANY SISTERS!!
SISTER HOOD ~ SISTER SEELEY ~
 SISTER DUNCAN

SISTER HOOD~ THE RICHIN'S ~ SISTER DUNCAN

THE WRIGHT'S
SISTER DUNCAN & SISTER HOOD

THE SCOTT'S
SISTER HOOD

MEET THE YUBA ZONE!!

HOW ARE WE GOING TO MAKE IT ALL FIT?

#LighttheWorld - DO IT!!

It is that time of year my friends! The initiative has officially started! If you haven't watched the #LighttheWorld yet, DO IT!! It's soooo good! It's just on gospel library, LDS.org, or Mormon.org. Also! Do the advent Calendar with it! It started Thursday.  But that's the perfect way to prepare for Christmas, to share YOUR light and the SAVIOR'S light (same thing when you serve) with others! Best ever!!!

Anywho. HI!! 😁 

This week was good! It was a busy one! We had exchanges twice! Once for just the regular exchange and another time for good ol' Mission Leadership Council. Only one time have I not had to exchange for MLC. Kinda crazy! But on exchanges the first time, I was with Sister Smith. She is from Utah. Not surprising, I know.. haha but she is great! Super great at teaching. It was my first time being on exchanges with her so far.  It was nice to switch things up! 😊 we worked here in Colusa. We had a lesson with a Catholic lady named Leslie. It was one of the most interesting lessons I have been in for a long time. Hahahah! People are so funny. Here's what went down: 

"We talked a lot about her religion. She is very active in it. She believes that she follows Christ. She loves the Eucharist and says she couldn't leave it even if God told her to. She talked about how important the Mormon friends have been in her life, she said they have really taught her a lot and she loves the health and blessings we receive as members. She really liked how we focus on finding happiness in Christ, while her religion is all about the suffering with Christ. She doesn't agree with a lot of things in her church but she said she will stay there. We talked about prophets and Joseph Smith a little. She says she just wants to follow Christ. We tried to explain that the Prophet leads us to follow Christ, She didn't quite agree. We talked a little bit about baptism for the dead. She is very knowledgeable of the church. She said that she might come along one day but she will have to see. She said previous missionaries hadn't made it clear what they were there for, so we explained that we help people come closer to Christ. She said that she thought they were there to be friends and talk religion. We explained otherwise. We shared the Light the World video with her. She didn't say much about it. We didn't really have chance to tell her about it. But we asked if we could come back and talk with her about the priesthood, we set a time to come back and invited her to read the restoration Pamphlet, since she hadn't before. She is a great lady. She just needs the gospel so bad." 

We also met with Mary. She is a nice lady. She isn't too into keeping commitments, including keeping appointments. So we just decided to pop in. She left us right in and we shared the Light the World video. She really liked it. We invited her family to participate in the advent calendar. She said she would. We set a time to come back. But it may not work out due to our Zone Meeting possibly being then for some odd reason... but that's alright.
 
We met with Cynthia. Oh man. She's such an amazing lady! I love her a lot. She thinks she isn't doing what she needs to be but she is. All she needs is something to start her in the right direction... for the past couple times I think we came on too strong with trying to help her understand that she NEEDS scripture study. I really felt like we should take a different approach and it actually helped. So that was a cool experience with the spirit. 😊 

On our exchanges with Sister Wilkinson and I found the heck outta Colusa and Arbuckle (a neighboring town about 30 min. south). Haha. 😁 We were going through our potentials and formers and stopped by the kid named Leo's house. We believe it was his mom that answered. We were able to give her an initiative card and set a time to go back. She said her kids would love to see the video so that was totally a tender mercy. 

We were tracting and Margarita was sitting in a chair on the sidewalk. We stopped to talk to her. She was super friendly and let us sit down and talk to her and her husband Jose. We talked a lot about how she came from Mexico about 25 years ago. Jose has lived here all his life but we would go to Mexico for months at a time. We met their 2 daughters Cynthia and Julianna. They are super cute girls. We were able to share LightTheWorld with them. They really liked it. We really saw something in Cynthia. She was so interested in the video and the how to begin teaching points we shared about how we are called by a prophet to share Christ's gospel now restored on the Earth and that they could find that out through prayers. We gave a card to Cynthia and Margarita with our number. They were so amazing. We asked if we could come back and Margarita said they were good where they were at.
Margarita also mentioned more in private how she really wanted to stop drinking and get away from that. We offered to give her the 12 step book. She declined and thank us again. They are such great people. Definitely follow up with them soon. 

Then the other day, we saw Leslie walking on the street. So we stopped and invited her to the Branch Christmas party. She said she was just talking to her husband about how she didn't feel like her priest whom she does confession with is truly of God. She feels like he had "other problems". She mentioned her friend again and said she was a Mormon just didn't know it yet. She was super nice but on her way to Mass. she said she appreciated the invited though. Unfortunately, there was no principle taught but this was a super huge step for her to say that! 

I feel blessed when little, simple things happen. Even just a door opening, I appreciate it much, much more now days. The Lord rewards faith. That's exactly what that was. I just love my Heavenly Father and my Savior. I don't want to even think what life would be without either of Them.. 😊 so blessed to have the gospel. 

A lot of the week we did service to help with the Branch Christmas party. So that's always exciting. Sister Scott (best member EVAAA) let us borrow her 2 person sweater!! Hahaha. It was so great! Pictures to come! It really was a really good week! This week will be be pretty crazy because Sister Duncan has her departing temple trip and sooo much stuff to do! 

So! It will be quite interesting! 😁 

Love you all!! 

Sister Hood

PICTURES FOR YOUR PLEASURE & ENJOYMENT!!

Huge Christmas Tree!!

I found a TUMBLE WEED!!! First time in my life!
Sister Wilkinson & Sister Beadie

Check out our double sweater - Haha!!
Sister Duncan & Sister Hood