En fin se acerca...

It's really strange writing this email, knowing it will be my last one as a missionary. Everyone says that the 18 months will go faster than you think and it's definitely true. I can't believe that my time is coming to an end. It's going to be really really hard for me to leave Seattle. 

Anyways, this was a really good, rewarding week. We had a giant event here in our stake called the Festival of the Nativities. They decorated the church and it was absolutely INCREDIBLE! They had more than 500 nativities from around the world and musical performances going the whole weekend. There was an entire room dedicated to Christ's life and it was like walking through His life and seeing it visually. We had quite a few investigators come, including Cecilia and here whole family. She loved it! It was an amazing way to focus on Christ during this Christmas season. 

I just feel so grateful for my mission. Thinking about the things I've learned and the ways I've grown, I wish I could stay here forever. I'm so so grateful that my Heavenly Father has given me this chance to serve Him, to learn how to truly love others and to rely on Him. I will never be able to repay Him for the many blessings He has given me. Mostly for the relationship that I have gained with Jesus Christ. I know He lives. He loves us so much and is CONSTANTLY there for us. He's there for no matter how insignificant we may feel or how unworthy of His love we feel. I've learned that all I have to do is go to Him and He shows me the way. I love this gospel. It's not just a part of my life anymore, it IS my life.

 

Hasta ver <3

Con mucho amor,

Hermana Pier

  We joined in on the church initiative to #sharethegift

                         Us with Cecilia and family at the Festival of the Nativities

              The beautiful depiction of the tomb in the room dedicated to Christ's life.

He is the Gift

This week was magnificent! We have P-day today instead of yesterday because we had the chance to go to the temple as a mission today. It was WONDERFUL! We've also been doing a lot of family history research so I was able to take 4 family names with me. I LOVE THE TEMPLE!

Thanksgivng was a wonderful adventure. Let's just say that we accidently ended up eating 2 thanksgiving dinners... It was rough. It was a great day though. We had a mission thanksgiving musical talent show which was really wonderful. The whole day was just THE BEST. We got to see a lot of people that really mean a lot to me and I was able to focus a lot on the things that I am grateful for.

As for our investigators, Toni is doing wonderfully. He has came to church twice now and is preparing to be baptized December 13th. Because of his tight work schedule it's hard for us to meet with him as often as we'd like so we're praying that we can help him be ready for that date. Cecilia is also doing well still moving along slowly but surely. 

As for my email title, HE is the Gift, I just wanted to invite you all to watch the beautiful Christmas video that the church has made for this Christmas season. Go to this website: christmas.mormon.org

The video is great and really shows us the importance of focusing on our Savior this Christmas season. I especially love the invitation it gives it. DISCOVER the gift, EMBRACE the gift, and SHARE the gift. I've made the goal to truly do that this Christmas season and grow in the personal friendship that I have with Jesus Christ. I want to invite you all to do the same. I know that you'll see a difference in this time of year, you'll see a new light within yourselves. 

I love you all so much!

Con Amor,

Hermana Pier

                      our zones nametags for the video we made for Christmas.

                                                              it SNOWED!!!!!

And the giant piece of cheese steak that was served at the brazilian restaurant we ate at for our member dinner the other night!! They had the strangest meats!

John 14:27

This week I have felt more than ever the help of my Heavenly Father. It's been a time when I'm seen how much He watched over us. I don't know how to put all my feelings into words so forgive me if this makes no sense. 

Firstly, I have been so blessed by President and Sister Choi, the members, missionaries, and people here in my mission. I have hundreds of people who have watched over me and been by my side constantly. I'm so grateful for them and the service they've rendered.

I wanted to share an experience that was one of the moments in my life that I never want to forget. On Saturday morning, the morning of Tyler's funeral, I got a call from President Choi asking me to come to the temple. During Tyler's funeral service I had the blessing of being in the House of the Lord, participating in the sealings of families with President and Sister Choi. The way I felt is something that I can't even describe. I felt a peace that was so strong and I felt so full of hope and just a pressing feeling of calm in my chest. I felt my testimony confirmed once again, this is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Sitting there in the temple I had to strongest impression that Heavenly Father needs others to have that testimony as well. I need to go out and help others to learn where they can get the peace that I have had in this trial. 

Also, yesterday Elder Enrique R. Falabella of the 70 came and spoke to our mission. I had the opportunity to be interviewed by him and it really was a tender mercy. He talked with such love and helped me reconfirm that I am where I am supposed to be right now. 

I just wanted to end by sharing the letter that was read at Tyler's funeral. He's taught me a lot. He's been my inspiration during my mission and will continue to be it. I don't know how to fully express my love for him, my family, and the gospel but they truly are my sources of strength.

"As I was thinking about how to express my love and feelings today I decided that the best way was by writing  Tyler a letter with all the things I want him to know and to thank him for the profound impact he's had on my life. I hope this helps show you all how wonderful of a person he is and how strong his love is for his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dear Dad,

It's Me, Mickey Dee. Or I guess that'd be Sister Mickey-d. I really love you and miss you, but I'm also comforted to know that both of us are exactly where our Heavenly Father needs us right now. I've been thinking about you a whole lot and a bunch of memories keep coming to mind. Some are silly and I'm not sure why I keep thinking of them but they make me happy.

Do you remember when I was 12 or so and i decided that I LOVED hunting and that I wanted to go with you? You got me a BB gun and a pocketknife for Christmas and I was so excited. Unfortunately I think that after about a month I went back to not liking hunting. Opps.

Or my first time driving on actual roads after you taught me to drive a stick shift. I'm pretty sure I killed it at least 7 times trying to get moving at that first green light. You had to switch me places and drive because all the cars started going around us. 

Or I distinctly remember having a hard week down at college and you talked with me. I ended up going home and spending the weekend with you, Zachy Doo Dah and Ty Ty; That weekend meant a lot to me.

Your voice keeps playing in my head singing, as you frequently did, "You are my sunshine my only shine..."

I want you to know that I'm the person and missionary I am today because of your influence. Although I wasn't there with you during this fight, your faith, strength and love have been what have pushed me to become a stronger servant of the Lord. And now I have you by my side. Just like you taught me, we're going to give every single day our all. Together we're going to finish our mission strong. 

I want you to know that I know that this gospel is true and that gives me so much home. Because of our savior  this isn't a final goodbye, just a short time for us all to learn and grow before we're together again. One of my all time favorite scriptures, Mosiah 2 :41, has given me a lot of peace.

 It says, " And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

 I'm so grateful for that knowledge. You're in a place of never-ending happiness and all of our family will be with you when we're called home. 

Te amo con todo mi corazón.

Love,

Mickey Dee"

Nov. 17, 2014

As most of you probably know, this week was a tough one. My step-dad passed away after battling cancer for almost the last year and a half. It been a very spiritual experience and I have seen the Lord's help a lot. I'm not going to write much today but I do want to share that I know that this gospel is true and that we do have a way to be with our families forever.

 Last night we had a mission fireside for new converts, members, and missionaries the mission. Near the end President Choi called me up to the stand and asked me to share a short testimony. I have never felt the spirit so strongly in my life. As I had the opportunity to testify of the Plan of Salvation and of our Redeemer, with each word I felt more warmth within me. He asked if he could share with everyone what had happened and as I stood by his and Sister Choi's sides, hearing their testimonies, I felt so strongly of my Heavenly Father's love.

 I know that Tyler is going to be with me this last bit of my mission, serving and testifying with me. He showed the most amazing example of staying strong and having unshakable faith. I just want everyone to have this true. Have this hope that no matter what happens, God is watching over ALL of His children. He gives us the Holy Ghost as a gift so that we can feel of His presence. This gospel bring eternal happiness that can't come in any other way. 

Con Amor, 

Hermana Pier

Nov. 10, 2014

This first week of the new transfer was MARVILLOUS!!!!!

The main miracle was our new investigator Toni! We met Antonio a couple weeks ago when trying to contact his brother Juan. After trying to set up a lot of lessons we weren't sure that he was super interested. So anyways, we had a lesson set up with a man names Augostin that lives in the same apartment complex and we were talking to Toni on the phone he said, "My friend Augostin told me he's meeting with you tonight. Can I come?" Uhhhh OF COURSE! Both came to the lesson and we were able to get a member fellowship there as well. Turns out Augostin isn't super interested but Antonio is! He loved the message of the restoration and said he wants to learn more and come to church. That night after the lesson we texted him and gave him a chapter to read in the Bpook of Mormon. He said that he was going to really it really closely and that he just wanted us to know that he would like to become a member of our church. YAY! Sadly, he ended up not making it to church because he got called into work. Please pray for Toni this week so that he can begin preparing to be baptized!

Cecilia's family is doing well.. still not coming to church. We are trying to get to the root of their problems so that we can help them to become an eternal family. Ronaldo and Bertha both came to church so include all these people in your prays. Oh also I wanted to also shout out to my adorable sister, Gentry and Devbot! They are having a BABY! And Shane, I hope it's actually born on May 11th. Best day ever!

Okay I love you all. Never forget how much your Heavenly Father loves you. So much!!!!! Go to him every day and confide in Him. I know that He will always be there for you because He always is for me. 

Con Amor, 

Hermana Pier

                                              Hermana Brooks, my new comp!

Best week of my mission <3

Sorry time is short today. I had to attend a trainers meeting and P day is coming to a close. Oh, so I'm staying in May Valley for my last transfer and will be finish the training of a new Hermana, Hermana Brooks. She's adorable and we are PUMPED for this transfer. 

The one thing I have to write about was Marco going to the temple <3 It was the most amazing thing. We got to atttend with him and my trainers Hermana Phillips and Hermana Enos were both there. Marco just glowed and looked so happy. He said that he received answers to his prayers there and felt close to God. It was so amazing. It's amazing to have been able to be here with him for the whole process. I've seen this gospel change his life and make him so happy. That's what it's all about. This gospel is the greatest because of how it changes us, how much joy it brings. 

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!!

 Con Amor,

Hermana Pier

                                  Us outside the temple with Marco

             Hermana Boley and I with some members from shorline and the Chois :)

                           The food a member gave me to eat the other day....

Oct. 27, 2014

Life's good here the Washington Seattle Mission. We are working hard and striving to continue improving and improve our high expectations. 

Cecilia and her family are doing well. They're my favorite. The girls came to young womens this week and also to a giant latino conference and fireside we had. Cecilia has been reading and praying and seems to be progressing. We watched "Find Faith in Christ" and it really helped Cecilia see the need to act on her faith. Only problem, they didn't come to church again. We were super disappointed but we're going to get them there this week. We have a lesson set up with them for tonight and the husband, Carlos, is going to be there for the first time ever. So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put him in your prayers that he'll have desires to learn with his family.

Work wise, other than that we're just doing a whole lot of tracting and not finding hispanics. We're trying to think of new things to do and new ways to do the work to find more investigators. We KNOW that the prepared people are here and we're going to do everything that we can to find them. 

The most exciting part of the week was definitely the 3 mission Latino Conference. It was the best. They all went to the temple and had an EFY session and then later when the missionaries got to go there was a fireside, a dinner (they served fried chicken and potato salad... say what?!) and a cultural dance presentation. It was great and I got to see all the Seahurst Branch that I served in for forever. I LOVE THEM!!!!! Man I just love everyone from my mission so much. They were all giving my advice and updating me on the branch. Cecilia's family really liked it and were able to meet a lot of good fellowship. 

OHHH one last exciting this is that the power went out Saturday night because of a wind storm. That night we used a mini flashlight to do our planning and it was so exciting. It was almost like I was in some exotic mission for a minute. 

I'm looking forward to this upcoming week because Marco goes to the temple this Saturday <3. The church is so true!!!! I love you all!

Con Amor,

Hermana Pier

Pics- 

                            The seahurst branch after their performance

                             Us and Stephanie and Manuel at the conference