First Week in Otavalo - Rejection! :)

Hello friends and family!!!

Another week gone by. It seemed a bit longer... in fact, I feel like I’ve been here for like 3 weeks, but it’s coming along. I can’t believe that everyone is starting school!! People here haven’t started so it doesn’t seem real, but actually, here on a mission, the real world really never seems real.

So.. Imbaya. First week. Something I’ve always wanted to be better at is just being real. Accepting the hard, acknowledging the good, and just realizing that life isn’t always roses and butterflies. Well, this week wasn’t all roses and butterflies. To be completely honest, it was hard. Super hard. I never knew quite what it was like to open up a sector, but I’m learning. I’m learning that it is hard. I’m learning that there are some nights where you come home to the house, barely having enough energy to get on your knees and pray and plan to do it all over again. But I’m also learning that the Lord is so involved in his missionary work and I have almost never felt his love stronger. There were lots of days of frustration and discouragement, but it literally were the little miracles that we saw that pulled us through. Although it’s kind of an overwhelming thought to do it all over again this week, I am so grateful because I know that the Lord is pulling me and stretching me and I am sure learning that trusting in Him is the only thing I have.

It started out Tuesday morning in the personal study that I had. I figured that it could be a few interesting days. So I prayed to know what to study... something that would give me strength and the excitement to be more consecrated. As I was flipping through my scriptures, I landed in Alma in chapter 17. Man, there’s nothing better than reading about the all star missionaries in the scriptures. I had read this verse before, but it took on a whole other meaning now being here and serving in Otavalo. verse 11...

"And the Lord said unto them also; Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls."

Well, this got to me. And I started thinking. I started thinking about some of the greatest missionaries the history of forever. Ammon, Alma, the sons of Mosiah. I cant imagine the missionary work they faced. They were with the very same people that I’m with. I’m sure they had no area books, no old investigators or a bishop to show them around, and certainly not Preach my Gospel. They opened up sectors as well, with a lot less than I have, but yet, they were promised that they would be the LORD’S HANDS. He was going to guide them, help them and give them success. As we talked about this verse in our companionship, we decided to make it our theme scripture for the change. I may not be at the level of Ammon, but I certainly can try to exercise a part of the faith that he had. So with that, we went to work.

It was a crazy week. Kind of like a slap in the face for both of us that although "all things will work together for our good", not all is fun and definitely not all is easy the whole way through. One of the first things I think we both realized is that Lamanites are sure HARD. They are hard to get to, and their hearts are set on the traditions of their fathers. Each day we would leave our house and start by contacting. We contacted A LOT. Well... we tried at least. Like I said last week, we’re in a ward that only has indigenous so we only teach the Indians. We live in a sector where there are many more Latins, so we feel like were playing Where’s Waldo to find the indigenous :) We have completely lost our fear by now of rejection.. It’s a miracle in the first place to find someone to talk to, and our calling is to talk to them... so that’s what we try to do. Haha - Literally no one wants to hear us. They close the door before answering, they tell us they don’t have a name, that they’re catholics, and not going to change, or better yet, lots of them walk away from us mid sentence, pretending they never heard us in the first place. It’s kind of really discouraging, but honestly it’s just started becoming like a comedy movie. We literally burst up laughing in the middle of the street because people are so against us. It’s more fun to laugh than cry... so that’s what we try to do.

Our house is pretty interesting. I think it was made for small people :) I’ve been reminded again what is like to be freezing at night and wake up sore and.... just wanting more than anything to be able to sleep longer. The windows always make noise like someone is trying to break in and our shower is under the stairs! Wahoo :) We don’t have much food... but it sure makes us grateful for members who give us boiled beans or rice. Plus now we know where we can buy bread in an emergency so that’s an improvement from last week!!

Literally we are just two Americans... living in the middle of the Lamanites who can’t understand much kichwa, just trying to trust in the Lord. Sometimes being so desperate, that we kneel down in the middle of the street to pray and show him that trust. And as we’ve trusted in Him, He has shown us little miracles during the day to remind us that He IS there. We made it a goal to focus on gratitude this change and the small things that make us happy. 

...For example. Mom’s brownie in a mug that you sent us. That has been our breakfast for two days, so thank you a bunch! There’s nothing like some good chocolate to pump you up. 

-Also, we’ve gotten to know a few of the members through serving them and learning more about the Otavalo culture. We’ve pealed peas and filled bottles with dried corn. Those things were really highlights of my day.

-One day we were walking, no idea where to go, when a little girl showed up, took us by the hand and knocked on a door (apparently it was her cousin) We all sat down, she told us the we should teach her, and then ran off. I don’t know where she went, but she helped us get a new investigator that we hope we can return to. 

-On Saturday it was another one of those days where we just were a little lost. We prayed for guidance and then kept contacting. It wasn’t that we received any huge spiritual impression, but I was drawn to this orange house, so we knocked. The lady who opened seemed to be pretty bugged, but she was indigenous :) :) so we tried to strike up conversation and got to know her little daughter. She finally let us through the front door. We sat down, presented ourselves, and then she started opening up and spent the next 15 minutes telling us about the hard life she’s had, the time she almost tried to take her life, tears running down her face and telling us that as soon as she saw us, a peace and love came over her. I don’t know her and know that I can’t imagine how she feels, but I do know how to testify of Christ and that HE does. That lesson was really special. We’re so excited to go back this week and share more to help her find happiness again. I know the Lord was guiding us.

-My studies. Man, my studies have been such a strength to me. I have studied a ton about the atonement lately and have grown to love the sacrifice of Christ. THAT is why I can do this. It’s not my strength... because I would have been out of here looong ago, but i’ts knowing that the Lord has done this before me. And knowing that, gives me enough to get up each morning with a smile on my face.

It’s not really possible to describe weeks like this in an email. But I guess I just pray that SOMEONE can learn from one of my experiences. It’s not so you feel bad for me, because believe me, there are things a lot worse. But I hope each one of you realize that when you feel like you are drowning, or dirty and covered in dirt, or confused and can’t understand, or just feel like you need some sort of hope, know that the Lord loves you. He has walked our steps. He knows our pain perfectly, and the Lord definitely doesn’t expect perfection, He just wants us to TRY. Put one foot down and then the other. I promise you that His love and comfort can overcome any discouragement or trial that you are facing. The world may never know, but He does. And He will always be there.

I wish you the very best this next week!! Love you all!!

Hermana Yorgason

Exciting Changes!

Well well, my wonderful family...

Again, sounds like another busy and full week! Tanner, I seriously can’t believe that you blessed YOUR baby. We’re just all too young for that. :)  I’ll have to admit, I got a little jealous reading about how much football I’m missing with Chad and Mckay’s games, but man will that be fun to see them again. Good luck with getting ready for school and all. I quote Luke in his letter... that seems like worlds away for me. But to be honest, I’m happy to be here in MY own little world. 

This week was great in Calderon. Our threesome received a fourth missionary for the week because her ankles were really hurting and she was getting ready to go home. So... we had a rotation of us four. Two would go out and work, one would stay home with the other Hermana, and each day we switched off sectors. It was quite the schedule... I feel like we’ve gotten like no time lately in our sector, but like I said last week, the Lord blesses nonetheless.

Making it work with "4"!

We’re teaching someone named Anderson who is going to get married to someone who’s a member and has family members in our ward... so it’s a pretty good situation. Their family is so cool! They’re all from the coast and make me feel like I’m teaching in Africa :) He wants to get baptized after they get married and as we taught him the plan of salvation this week, wow, he lit up so much. He told us that he had never realized how much we have to look forward to after this life. 

We also had a big miracle this Tuesday. We returned with a family that we had contacted and they were one of those "golden families" where you just know the Lord has been preparing them. They have three kids and one on the way. When we got there they expressed that they want so badly to help their kids focus their lives on Christ and loved listening to the first lesson about Joseph Smith. The next day we went back and asked how reading and praying had gone. The mom told us that she had a dream that night. In her dream she had seen two people in white who came up to her and told her that everything she is learning is true. She wants to keep learning and the whole family has a baptismal date for the 10th of September.

Gringa Trio!  Hermanas Israelson, Hermann, & Yorgason

Hermana Yorgason and Hermana Israelson

But... like the title says, yesterday we had changes. Honestly I had no idea of what was going to happen. I was happy to stay where I was. But here’s what happened. I’m leaving. I’m going back to Otavalo (Imbaya) to open up a sector, and to be an Hermana Leader with Hermana Israelsen!!! Man, we both heard that and could not believe it. I didn’t think it was possible to actually be companions with my best friend here!!! Wow. A lot of people have been telling us how hard this sector is, but really, I know that if I’m with her, we will be able to figure out anything. So last night we packed until very late, this morning we got up very early, and we got on the bus to come here. Man, it’s been a very interesting last few hours...

We got here to the bus station and waited for a while because we had no cell phone, no idea of WHERE our house was or in what direction we should go. The zone leaders got there a while after and took us to where our house was. We got off the bus and I felt like I was in a tornado... of dirt. Man, I forgot the reality of Otavalo... We drug our suitcases down a long dirt road (sorry mom, the wheels are shot), they gave us a hand shake and told us to work hard. We turned around, went into the house, closed the door, looked at each other and just started cracking up. We literally have no idea where we are. We have an area book... that’s KIND OF filled out. We don’t even know where our sector boundaries are and apparently we can only talk to indigenous people.... our church is all in kichwa?? A while later we left to try and find some food, because we didn’t eat breakfast or lunch, and we literally walked for like 45 minutes asking everyone if they knew ANYWHERE we could eat. Ya... our dinner ended up being Doritos and bread. 

So... that’s about where we’re at now. No idea about anything. (Not even what time church starts or where to invite people to come) But.... we know that the Lord is on our team. That’s about all we’ve got right now. Him, us, and our many prayers of guidance and help. This week may be lots of contacting, but we’re excited to see what comes our way.

Love you all!!!

Hermana Yorgason

ADVENTURES of the Gringa Trio!

Hi family and friends!!!

Estoy feliz que todo esta MUY bien en casa. You guys just make me so happy with your letters and pictures! Man, I’m lucky to have all of you!

Coolest Gringa Trio in History!!

I’m also lucky to be where I am right now. With the companions I have. In probably the coolest gringa trio in history :) Really though, I am working and serving with two of my very best friends and we are trying to make the very most of the time that we have left because most likely this is our last week together. Like normal, we’ve seen lots of miracles and had lots of challenges, but we have truly been able to dive in and give it all we’ve got... and laugh our way through every minute. It really is quite the blast.

This week can truly be described as ADVENTURES. I think every single day we had something crazy happen. It kind of became a joke towards the end, because every night we came home with something new. 

Monday. Monday night we had another earthquake. Yep, I’ve pretty much just decided that I’ll probably be experiencing those the rest of my mission. The people here also seem to think that they’re not going to stop anytime soon, so we might as well enjoy the craziness of it all :) It happened at about 11:45. So obviously we were all sleeping and I slightly woke up feeling like I was on a merry go round, halfway hearing Hermana Hermann telling us to get up because "it was happening again". I kind of was still in a daze and still laying in my bed halfway awake hearing lots of noises, and the next thing I knew, Hermana Israelson was flying over my bed and hit the ground in between my bed and Hermana Hermann’s. Being in a dream, I for some reason thought she was dying and starting shaking her and telling her to wake up. A few seconds later she sat up super confused asking why in the world she was over there. And then we all started busting up laughing. To this day we are still trying to figure out exactly what happened. So many moments throughout the week we have just laughed and laughed, thinking of her flying through the air, over my bed, with her sheets and all. Hermana Hermann didn’t have her glasses on so when she looked up, she just saw a shadow and thought the ceiling was falling on us. Hermana Israelsen just thinks she was having a really weird dream and somehow thought to spring out of her bed. Lots of people ran outside and we were just watching from our window until we felt safe to go to bed again. Haha, we didn’t go to sleep for awhile, thinking over and over again about what happened :) Apparently the earthquake center was in Puembo, a part of my first sector, about an hour from where we live right now.

Hermana Israelsen and I

Tuesday. I was on exchanges in another area and while my companions were planning, someone doorbell ditched a dog at our door. My companions looked out the peep hole and didn’t open it, but the kids kept returning trying to get us to accept the dog. Haha... sorry, we’ve got mission rules. (Plus, all the dogs here have ruined me and I’m really not a fan, so I we’re happy about that)

Life with no electricity - at least for a few days!

Wednesday. Well, Wednesday we got home from working and were pumped about the good day we had. We walked in the door and went to turn on the light.... nothing. Haha No light. We think either we payed the light bill late or someone was trying to fix our shower and accidentally turned off the light. So we tried to use the little light on the cell phone to find our flashlights and light some candles that we had, to plan and try to get ready for bed. We still don’t have light or power... five days later. We’ve gotten used to living off of dry food, cold showers, no straighteners and charging our cell phone at random people’s houses. The weekend was a holiday, so we’re hoping that everyone goes back to work and we can get it fixed soon. 

Thursday we were walking down the street in Hermana Israelsen’s sector, and I’m not exactly sure if this guy was drunk or just crazy... he drove by us on his motorcycle, almost hitting us and tried to grab the coat that was hanging on my bag. It totally startled me. We’re all ok, but we just decided to stay clear of crazy men on motorcycles. I’m grateful to have two companions that help me feel safe. We also opened our fridge that day and... boy we thought some stink bomb had gone off in our apartment. We didn’t think that one through, that not having power also means a not working fridge and lots of rotten food. That was sure fun cleaning it out today. Yuck... too many mystery juices and awful smells... :) haha

Friday.. Friday lots of little funny things happened and we just could not stop laughing. Singing in our morning studies... we died laughing, practices... we kept messing up. It was just one of those funny days. It was also the year mark of Hermana Israelsen so at night we bought a gallon of ice cream and Oreos to celebrate :)

Saturday we about died on one of the buses. If I haven’t talked about the buses yet... they are insane. Between all the people squished in, bumpy roads, impatient drivers and lots of bad traffic. We were going from one appointment to the other on this really old and small bus. For some reason there were no railings on the ceiling like normal and there definitely wasn’t any sitting room. We were on a super windy road, so every time we went around a curve, everyone in the bus was falling on each other. Hermana Hermann dropped her money and bent down to get it right as we did a sharp turn. Haha that was a disaster :) And all of this going on while the doors were open. Adventures that I’m never going to forget about Ecuador.

Hermana Hermann and I

But equally to the fun we had, I think we saw just as many miracles this week. Yesterday at church, we were so blessed and almost every one of our investigators that we’re teaching came. Right now we are teaching a lot of part families. Most of them the moms are members and now we’re teaching the dads, which is really a huge blessing because our mission has been focusing a lot on baptizing families and priesthood. We’ve worked a lot with the elders quorum and its just the BEST feeling at church as we look around and see every investigator surrounded by members and new friends. The missionary work really is so much better with the ward members.

We also had a cool experience one of the days as we were trying to figure out who to visit after all of our lessons fell. Hermana Israelsen had an impression that we she contact one street in particular. We weren’t exactly sure why, but we started knocking. About four doors into it, a lady opened the door and let us right in. As we started talking to her, we realized that she was an old investigator from Hermana Israelsen and they had just never seen her again. She was really accepting and now has a baptismal date :)

One of our investigators right now, Jaider, the dad of the two little girls who just got baptized, comes to church every week and told us that he loves it. He loves coming, he has so many friends and always wants us to visit his family so he can learn more. He and his wife need to get married so he can keep progressing and get baptized. Tomorrow we’re going to have a family night with them and a lawyer in our ward so he can help them get all the papers they need.

Our ward had a temple trip this week and a few of our investigators went with their families. One of them, Pedro, has been listening to the missionaries for a long time but just has never wanted to accepted a baptismal date. The temple really impacted him and right now we’re fasting with him so that he can receive a direct answer about what he should do. We’re hoping that he can make his decision this week.

This week we also had interviews with President. Wow, if I haven’t said it before, I will now... he is soo inspired. When he talks, the spirit just immediately comes. We talked a lot about the example of Christ and how becoming a disciple is a lifelong process. One that doesn’t end at the end of my mission.. but it can and will always be a quest of mine.

This week I’ve been thinking a lot about faith and gratitude and how much they relate. Real faith is knowing that the Lord’s plan is greater than mine. That he sees a picture that I do not. Faith is being grateful for hardships because you know that it will help you grow. And that’s what we all want, right? To be better and stronger the next day. But for some reason, sometimes we still want our problems to go away. I want my investigator to be at there at their house or everyone to accept baptism or the sun to not shine so bright. 

I was reading in Jacob 5 this week about the olive tree and I loved specifically verse 22.

"And the Lord of the vineyard said unto him: Counsel me not. I knew that it was a poor spot of ground, wherefore, I said unto thee, I have nourished it this long time, and thou beholdest that it hath brought forth much fruit."

What I got from that is that the ground doesn’t determine the fruit. This tree was in the worst ground there was, yet the gardener had a plan and it produced lots of fruit in the end. The ground doesn’t determine the fruit. Our gratitude and trust determines the fruit no matter where we are planted and what situation the Lord has given us. GRATITUDE FOR ALL THINGS IS THE KEY INGREDIENT FOR PEACE AND GROWTH. I know that the Lord sees more and loves us unconditionally.

Love you all!! Hope you have a fantastic week!!

Love Hermana Yorgason

We're A Trio!

Hi Family and friends!!!!

Wow, I think our family will be double the size when I get home. I can’t believe how many babies just keep coming :) But I am so excited for all of you! Tanner and Lexi.. Congratulations! I about DIED when I saw the picture of your little family in your ultimate uniforms. Good luck with parenting :) And Tyler and Breiyon. Holy cow, I did not realize that little Ty Ty is already four years old. How did that even happen? I love hearing about your busy but fun schedule with three little kids. Dallas and KC… you're almost home!!!! Wow, to me, that was sooo fast, but I’m sure it felt like forever for you guys. I’m so happy for you. Sounds like the rest of the family is good also. Since I know how we are at our house, I’m sure everyone’s in denial that school is coming up soon and back into the routine of homework, jobs and busy schedules. Everyone looks so big, I can’t even handle it!!

Well, sorry I didn’t get out a long email last week. It was sure a crazy one! There were lots of problems in our zone and man...  I don’t ever think I’ve been so tired in my life. For about a week we had two extra Hermanas living with us because one was struggling really bad. It was a team effort to help her, while trying to do all we could to keep the spirit in our apartment. But after a week of lots of praying and working with our mission president, the one sister is getting the help that she needs and now we’re in a trio!! Can I say CRAZY FUN?? This week has been completely different from the last! It’s Hermana Hermann, Hermana Israelsen and I together and I really feel like I’m able to completely enjoy each day. Hermana Isrealsen is from Alpine Utah and is about the same age that I am. She reminds me a lot of aunt Kim and just is the sweetest, kindest person that I know. She’s gone through a lot in the last change. A LOT. 

In these last two weeks I think I’ve learned more about Christlike love and charity than I ever have in my life. Especially with people who don’t give it back. My companions are such big examples to me of what Christ would do in every situation. Something that I've been thinking about a lot is the phrase... “Everyone is fighting a battle that you don’t know about."

After we got things figured out this week, I’ve been able to give lots of prayers of gratitude and know that THE LORD WATCHES OVER HIS MISSIONARIES. He really knows each one of us. Being in the middle of trials can seem like its never going to come to an end.... but HE does know exactly what we need to grow, and that what’s happened these last two weeks. We’ve grown. A lot.

This week I also realized how much I love my sector and the members here. Changes are in a few weeks and I don’t even want to think about the fact that I may have to leave. I have seen changes in so many people. It's so easy to love someone after praying for, serving and teaching them about the gospel. 

This week we’ve been working in three sectors, because of the changes we’ve had. It’s a lot to do, but we’ve relied even more on receiving revelation from the Lord and using every second that we have to find and teach. I have seen so many miracles with my two companions. We’ve found so many people that were so much more than a coincidence... and I know it’s because the LORD wants to bless us. We are weak on our own (literally), but so strong as we work with Him.

I hope you all have a fantastic week!!!

Thank you for your love and support!

Hermana Yorgason

Wonderful Baptism!

Hi family and friends!!!

Crazy crazy week. All I have to say is that I know that the Lords protection is real. We have had to deal with so many things from struggling sisters, moving houses, figuring out a baptism, fighting sickness and no sleep. It’s been a whirlwind, but the Savior has given me more strength than I could have on my own.

Our baptism went so well... after lots of opposition, of course :) No one came to fill the water, none of the keys were opening up the font, the person that was going to baptize them had to leave at the last minute, our phone broke, other people had our house keys, but the actual BAPTISM was great! It was of two girls, Jade and Jaidy that we have been teaching for about a month. We found their family, the mom was less active, but none of them want to hear anything about the church. Especially their dad. He told us straight out that he was a hard one and we would never be able to convince him. :) Well they have changed. In a very big way, and they are so very special and dear to my heart. They all now come to church every single week, the mom is super active and they just have to get married for the dad to be able to get baptized. He is a different person!!

This week I’ve seen a lot of sad things.. a lot of people that are really down. It’s been interesting as time and time again I’ve prayed to the Lord to help me think of how I can be a help to some of these people. As I was studying this week, I opened my scriptures and it turned open to Helaman 5. I started reading about Nephi and Lehi and their experience in the jail and that they literally had a dark cloud about them. It goes on to say that as they truly repented and cried unto the Lord until they had faith, this cloud was lifted and they were able to feel and see angels lifting them up. I know that every single one of us has felt at one time or another a dark cloudy emotionally and spiritually around us. Those moments are hard. They’re lonely, and sometimes we seem to ask ourselves "why me"? But we can find the answer in Heleman 5:41. It is so clear. The Lord WILL help us.

Love you all!!!

Thank you for your support!!

Hermana Yorgason