Week 75

Hello Family & Friends,

Spiritual Experience: So, Sister Panton told us about one of her young women (Aly) who was really struggling, and she asked if we could stop by and visit her.  So, we did!  We went over last Wednesday, and we knocked on the door, and she let us right in right away!  It was as if she was waiting for us and knew we were coming.  We had an amazing discussion with her about what she was going through and tried to help her as much as we could.  It was a great visit, and we set up a time on Saturday to make brownies with her and do some service by taking the brownies to other young women she knew of that were also struggling.  Later that night, Sister Panton told us that she had talked to Aly,  and Aly had mentioned that the morning we came by, she was feeling really sad, and she prayed and asked Heavenly Father to send her someone to help her. Then, a couple minutes later, we knocked on the door.  That made my heart really happy and continues to testify to me that Heavenly Father knows his children and is aware of their specific needs.  If we pray with a sincere heart for His help, He will send help our way!

Investigators:
Alex: We taught Alex for the first time last week! It was good. Because he's young, we are trying to help him gain a testimony of the Savior. He came to Church with his family and we are planning on going by again this Sunday.
Ivan: He's been doing really well! We read about the 2000 stripling warriors in Alma and he loved it. On Thursday, we watched the movie called, "The Testaments" about the Book of Mormon times right before Christ comes and visits the people in the Americas.  It was a really spiritual experience for all four of us, (Ivan and Surya, Hermana Zayas and I). They also came to Church on Sunday!
Gina: We had exchanges last week, and Hermana Zayas was with Hermana Dixon and they had a lesson with Gina.  They invited her to be baptized and she said yes!  Only problem is that she is going to the Philippines and won't be back for another 3 months..... So, there's that.  But it's okay!  We plant seeds!

Tender Mercies this past week:
- On our exchange, Sister Frishkinecht and I got to do impromptu service and helped paint a staircase for an elderly women!
- On the way to our District Meeting, we got a very frantic call from a Member in our Ward, asking us to go check on his wife who is very pregnant and felt like she was going to faint.  We went by, called a couple of sisters to come help us because we couldn't stay, and were able to do some needed service for her.
- Our investigators all came to Church on Sunday!

Our going home activity day in Salt Lake City was so fun!  Right as we pulled up to the temple, we saw that it was closed, that was a bummer, but on our last day before I come home, we will go and do a session at the Salt Lake Temple, so I am content.😊  We still went and did fun stuff!  We went to the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Building, took pictures by the Salt Lake Temple ( I don't have them :/ ), went to the “Meet the Mormons” theater and watched videos that they only show on Temple Square, also went to the visitors center, then we hit the road.  We ate a yummy lunch in the car, then did a session at the Provo City Center Temple! I have to say, that is one of my absolute favorite Temples.  It looks like the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.  It was a great day!

My closing interview with President Killpack was amazing!  It went really well and he gave me a lot of good advice, and counsel I'll never forget.  It was a lot of discussing my future plans and talking about the course of my mission and how I have changed and grown.  I love my Mission experience and how I have grown into a better disciple of Christ.

The next two p-days are going to be pretty fun! Next P-day we have a district activity, and my last P-day we have a zone activity. Pretty exciting!

This week we have Zone Conference Thursday Afternoon. I am super excited!  It's weird that it's my last one.  I'll be giving my departing testimony since its my last Zone Conference.  I love the opportunity to share my testimony, but it will be emotional knowing that I will be leaving, but all is good and I am grateful for the opportunity and experiences that have changed me!

This Friday all the Spanish speaking Missionaries have a meeting at the mission office. I'm so happy because I'll be able to see all my good mission friends from this Mission and old companions like Hermana Laurie!

I REALLY needed that Spiritual thought and uplifting comments that you both put in the email last night. It helped me a lot in a time of need.  At times, we put this "perfectionist" label on ourselves as missionaries and people in general, and I really just want to do my absolute best these next couple of weeks. Last night I was a bit down, and frustrated with a couple of things, but your Spiritual thought couldn't have come at a more perfect time!  I love you and thank you.

That's crazy about President and Sister Ward!  I'm glad that the Ward’s are moving up here cause we can all party together like a family!!

We watched a really cool video in the visitors center about the translation of the Book of Mormon from Oliver Cowdery's point of view.  It was beautifully made and it strengthened my testimony so much.  There's just no way I can deny the power that The Book of Mormon contains.  It could've only been translated by the power of God.  So, if you know these things, then share It!  If you don't, I invite you to read it, ponder it, and ask if this book was translated by the power of God.  Our Heavenly Father has provided us with more scriptures, full of guidance, and more knowledge about the Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is evidence of God's love for ALL of His children.  Take the chance and read the Book of Mormon, and just ask Heavenly Father if it is true. He will answer through the power of the Holy Ghost, made manifest through feelings of peace, joy, and comfort in your heart and mind.

This week is going to be a great week. The work of the Lord is advancing. It's a great time to be a Missionary.  Life is great.  I am really trying to give my very best these next couple of weeks.  I know that there is still work to do, and I am going to find it, and do it!!

I LOVE YOU, FAMILY. Keep on, keeping on.

-Hermana Kali Rae Green-

Week 74

Hello, its me....,

Spiritual experiences... well yesterday we had a really cool experience.  So, we have been trying to visit this less active lady in one of the English wards for about a month now.  Hermana Laurie and I went by once before Christmas, and had a great lesson with her, but haven't been able to catch her since.  Our ward mission leader for the Ward she is in, asked us to go back after he had heard her talking with her neighbor about her last visit we had with her and how much it helped her.  So, before dinner yesterday we decided to see if she was home, and she was!  We had no idea what she needed, but knew the Spirit would guide us.  We got in to talking with her and she told us how she didn't feel like she had a purpose in her life and that she wanted a change and that she wanted guidance.(which is like the golden question to any missionary's ear).  The more and more we kept talking, the more things just kept coming to my mind!  One thing in particular was the scripture in 2 Nephi 32:9 "But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul."  After reading the scripture, she said, "wow, that was exactly what I needed to hear".  We talked about how prayer is so important in receiving guidance in our daily lives.  After a lot of good discussion, we told her of the three things President Nelson invited us all to do last Tuesday in his address to the World:

1. Keep on the covenant path.
2. Begin with the end in mind.
3. If you've fallen off the path, to come back, because there is room for everyone in the Lord's Church.

After hearing President Nelson's message, she told us that she wants to start praying, reading the Book of Mormon to her kids, and wants to go back to church!  It was a miracle!  We also decided we would come over each Sunday night to read the Book of Mormon with them.  She was so appreciative and we could tell that she really needed that visit.  We are so excited for her.  It's times like those where you really feel like the Lord is using you as an instrument in His hands, and oh, how he orchestrates everything so beautifully.

Investigators:
So the week after fast Sunday, a member in our Ward brought a friend to church!  Her name is GINA, just like my beautiful Mothers name!  She has come every week so far and has loved church!  She is super engaged in all the classes and loves to learn.  We haven't been able to teach her because she works a lot but yesterday after Relief Society, she turned and asked us, "So when can you come over?"  We were so happy!  We set a return appointment for tomorrow and we are going to invite her to be baptized!  We are excited, and she is so ready.  We also gave her a Book of Mormon after church and invited her to read it.

So, Heavenly Father is so kind and loving that he has continued to bless my life with more nine year old's to teach!  The Bishop last week gave us a reference of a family in our ward who is coming back to activity in the church and wants their son to be baptized!  His name is Alex and we are so excited to teach him!

Tender Mercies:
-We got to hear from a modern day prophet last Tuesday!
-While tutoring Tyler in Spanish last Wednesday, our dinner appointment called, confirmed dinner, then called us back, and cancelled.  Over hearing this, Sister Panton offered for us to stay for dinner, and man, oh man it was good stuff.  We left them with a song for our gratitude for feeding us and opening their home to us.

-The Sister Trainers heard I was sick last Thursday, so they brought over medicine and smoothies for Hermana Zayas and I.
- I have had so many lessons this week where people have told us, "you always come at the perfect time"
- IVAN AND SURYA CAME TO CHURCH! and so did Gina!!
- At our Stake Mission fireside  last night, the old Stake President and now one of our Ward Mission Leaders, after hearing I was ending my mission in three weeks came up to me and said," THREE WEEKS? I didn't know we were losing you that soon.  Then, with tears in his eyes, says, "You've inspired me in so many ways. Thank you for your service".
- Received answers to my prayers regarding my path to follow after my mission!
- Mom followed the Spirit and got me an apartment in Provo for school after my mission! THANK YOU!   I am so excited!  President Killpack recommended that very same apartment complex so the Spirit knows what is best for me!  I am super excited!!!  It just shows to me that the Lord's hand is truly in the details of our lives, and that he is simply just confirming the plans to us.
- Last but not least, 16 MORE MISSIONARIES ARE GOING BACK TO PUERTO RICO AND 8 OF THEM ARE SISTERS!! I AM SO EXCITED FOR ALL OF THEM! #goinggozo

So last night, we had a Stake Missionary Fireside and it was incredible.  It was for members of the Ward Council, Ward Mission Leaders, Ward Missionaries, and us full time Missionaries.  It was put on by the Stake.  We have been planning it for months and months, and we even got to speak about how to extend invitations and did some role plays.  It was the Elders and Hermana Zayas and I.  I spoke at the end and just offered my testimony.  The Spirit was so electrifying in that meeting, and I'm not really sure how to describe it, other than it was so powerful!!

Stake Missionary Fireside

Dad, I absolutely loved your spiritual thought! You actually answered a long time question of mine, about what the fire meant in Chapter 17 of 3 Nephi. This spiritual thought lead me to a better study of my Christlike attributes.  So, thank you!

This week has been a bit rough because I have been sick and feeling super exhausted every day. But the work goes on!

The Panton's have offered to feed us dinner on the 13th of February as a "farewell" dinner. Apparently, Brother Panton is thinking of something really tasty. I am excited.

This Friday is our departing activity, so we are going to spend the day in Salt Lake! We'll start off by doing a session in the morning at the temple, and then have lunch and go tour all the historical buildings surrounding Temple Square!  I am PUMPED!!

Next Monday I have my final interview. Crazy, right!  I cant believe my mission is coming to an end, but just because I will remove my Mission Tag, it doesnt mean I cant be a member missionary forever!  Life is really great, and I am so happy with where my life is at this time.  I want to end with a quote Sister Smart shared with us in her email to the Herman's of Puerto Rico:

"The JOY we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives, and everything to do with the focus of our lives~Russell M Nelson"

Love you all, and have a great week!

-Hermana Kali Rae Green

Week 73

Hello family & friends,

So, on Tuesday we went over to the Wilbert's house to help them pack up their house, because they are moving.  We were helping them and I had been just feeling a bit down and I started asking them for advice and when I was describing the things that had happened they just looked at me with such love. That love was just so overwhelming and I felt the love of the Lord.  So, I asked Brother Wilbert for a blessing, and it was one of the most powerful and meaningful blessings I have had.  The Lord knew exactly what to say to me in that moment. What was also so amazing about the blessing, is when I asked Brother Wilbert, he looked at me as if he knew I was going to ask, and said, "yes".  He then said that there is a chair that he gives all of his blessings to his kids in, and the night before, they had pulled it out after 8 months of it being in the garage, and we all realized it wasn't a coincidence.  It was a tender mercy for sure.

So, the fasting and prayers by the members for missionary work, that I talked about last week, have all paid off, because we now have 5 investigators, 2 of them came to Church on Sunday and we are receiving referrals from members and they are bringing their friends to church as well!  The power of exercising faith through fasting and prayer is so amazing.  The Lord is truly involved in the details of our lives and wishes to bless us, we just need to ask with real intent and faith. 

Tender Mercies this past week.
1.  The Lord provided me with needed counsel, love and comfort through a Priesthood Blessing, at the precise moment I needed it!
2.  We had 2 investigators attend Church after not having investigators at Church for months. The Lord answered the fast and prayers of our members.
3. One of those investigators was Jesus Q!  We were teaching him in October and then dropped him, but now we are teaching him again!
4.  Members came up to me at church telling me how they don't want me to be released because they are going to miss me (': 
5.  We got two referrals this week who are actually interested in the Gospel and our message!
6.  President Killpack helped me figure out my future! haha. 
7.  We had a companionship study that helped both Hermana Zayas and I become better Missionaries!

I just want to take a moment to express my love and gratitude, and congratulate all the Elders who have recently returned to Puerto Rico and the recent baptisms that are coming once again from that beautiful Island that I will always love!  The work of the Lord is moving along once again in Puerto Rico, and He is keeping His promises. This strengthens my faith.  Life is good! :)

So Dad, once again, you are on the same page as I am, Spiritual thought wise, because that scripture you used in Romans1:16, I found yesterday for the first time in my scripture study, and I loved it.  Then I open my letter from my parents, and Dad used the same scripture!  #Greenpower.  I will share it with my companion, members, and investigators, because I love it.

Hermana Zayas and I are working hard to find those who are ready to receive the gospel and we are determined to baptize in my last transfer, and we think we might have found them!  Things are going really well here in Pleasant Grove!

I am so happy and I love life. I am excited for the month I have left, and I would like to end with this scripture!

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth" -Romans 1:16

Have a wonderful week, and keep looking for ways to share the gospel! 

All my love, 
Hermana Green

Week 72

Hello wonderful family of mine,

So we had a very special experience this week.  Hermana Zayas and I have been really trying to follow the spirit this week.  With that said, we forgot to put in a name of who to visit on Saturday morning, so we decided to pray, and look for guidance on where to go.  After we said the prayer, I received a feeling that we should pass by Sister Wilbert's house.  So, we followed the prompting, and she was at home.  After talking, she became emotional about some struggles her family is going through presently.  We all knew that the Spirit was guiding us to go visit and comfort her.  It was a beautiful experience, to say the least.

So, we fasted specifically to find 2 people that the Lord has prepared to enter the waters of baptism this transfer, and we feel really strongly that we found one of those people last week!  Her name is, Alondra and she is 18 and was found in a miraculous way.  On Friday, we had planned to go find an old investigator from, the area book, we went to the house only to find out the address was wrong.  However, we found another member of our ward instead at that address.  We asked him if he knew of anyone that we could go visit and he pointed to the apartment right next to his.  So, we knocked 3 times and no luck. Then as a joke, I slightly said to Hermana Zayas under my breath, "I command you to open the door".  Well, to my shock the door open right then, I know, crazy, right? Haha!!  We ended up talking to this lady that opened the door and we gave her a Book of Mormon.  She was so happy!  She wanted to meet with us the next day, but her mom had to go to the hospital so we rescheduled. But we're excited to see where this goes.

We have been searching up every single person in our area book, and trying to visit them to see if they are interested in hearing about the Gospel.  It's been really interesting and we've had a couple of really good experiences!  We've handed out the Book of Mormon quite a bit and have had many chances to testify of the truthfullnes of the Restoration.  One thing Hermana Zayas and I are really focusing on this transfer is a section in Preach my Gospel called, "Teach when you find, and find when you teach".  Which basically means that in every moment we should be constantly looking for the chance to bear testimony.  It has strengthened our testimonies and has helped us have success.

Tender Mercies this week:
1) Hermana Zayas made me a really good breakfast one morning
2) A man today offered to buy us lunch, when the cashier beat him too it and said, "I already paid for it".  She told us she just got back from her mission 3 months ago and she wanted to show her appreciation for missionaries.
3) A member in our Ward made tostones (one of my favorite Puerto Rican foods) for Hermana Zayas and I.  This brought a smile to my face, and also brought back tender memories of my time in Puerto Rico.
4) I had many members in the ward come up to me on Sunday saying how they thought I had gotten transferred, and they were so happy to see me, but are very sad that I am finishing my mission so soon.  I have really grown to love these people in Orem.
5) Perhaps the biggest tender mercy of all, Heavenly Father knew how hard it was for me to leave Puerto Rico, so he allowed me to end my mission with a Puerto Rican companion.

I love my district! It is Elder Brito, Elder Price, Hermana Cazares, Hermana Miller, Elder Lopez, and Elder Howell. All wonderful missionaries!

On Tuesday, I had a,"My Plan" meeting. "My Plan" is a 6 week program that helps missionaries who are going home reflect on what they've learned and make goals for the future. There are 4 Sisters and 3 Elders going home with me, I know all of them pretty well, so it's a good group.  5 out of the 7 are in my zone.  We met with President and Sister Killpack and talked about our future plans and My Plan in general.  We also talked about when we would be going home and what activities we will be doing.  On Jan 26th we are going to Salt Lake all day and doing a session in the temple, and spending all day in Salt Lake in temple square doing different tours.  I'm super excited! On the Jan 28th I have my final interview with President, it's an hour long - Woo!!  So here's the dealio.  I will be coming home on Feb 15th.  I'll be in the mission home that week doing departing activities, going to dinner, final testimony meeting and spending the night in the mission home on Valentine's day.  My flight leaves Salt Lake at 11:30 am, and I arrive in Orange County (John Wayne Airport) at 12:30 pm.  I am super excited to see my family, but SUPER sad my mission is ending! This has been the BEST experience of my life!!

Okay, so something I am SUPER excited about is a Book of Mormon challenge I started!  It is based off of the goals that I want to accomplish this year and I have chosen four goals to look for guidance and inspiration on, as I read the Book of Mormon:
1) Family Goals
2) Ways I can come closer to the Savior and, "point my soul towards Him" (inspired by Jacob 4:5) and progress as a Daughter of God.
3) Church Goals
4) Education and Career goals

I was inspired by Jacob 4:5.  I felt the strongest desire to continue progressing as a disciple of Christ, and I wanted to take President Monson's invitation from the April General Conference to make a better effort in reading the Book of Mormon.  But, I didn't want to read it just to read it.  So, I took a hardcover, brand new Book of Mormon and decided that I wanted to study it and look for the ways in how it can guide my life.  I draw so much closer to the Savior and to Heavenly Father as I read and look for this guidance and I invite you all to do the same!

With the passing of our dear prophet, Thomas S. Monson, I have had a lot of time to reflect on who he was and how grateful I am for the Restoration of the Priesthood keys and authority.  I am grateful for the example of service that President Monson rendered to all, and I hope that I can become like him in that aspect.  I am so grateful that even though a Prophet passes to the other side of the veil, we don't need to fear.  Thanks to the Restoration, there are still worthy men that have these same Priesthood Keys to guide the Church through revelation.  How lucky are we to have a knowledge of these things, that we are not lost, or in spiritual darkness, and we will still be led by a Prophet of God going forward.  I have no doubt that the next prophet has been prepared well by the Lord and I am grateful that President Monson is now resting in peace with his wonderful wife.

The church is true. What more can I say.

Love you all.

-Hermana Kali Rae Green

Week 71

Feliz Año Nuevo a todos!

I hope you all had a wonderful New Year's and are enjoying all the festivities.  Can't believe it's 2018 already, crazy!  But I'm so excited to start a new year and to continue applying the things I've learned so far on my mission.

You know, there are just some families that you meet on your mission, that you know you were supposed to meet.  That happened last night at dinner with the Arancibia family.  They are in the Elders' area and they heard Hermana Laurie was from Chile so they invited us over to eat with them, because they're also from Chile.  They have a son right now on a mission and Hermana Arancibia was sharing with us, all these miracles and stories their family has had ever since their son has been on his mission.  She just has so much love for missionaries and the whole night her, and her husband were just so grateful that we were having dinner with them.  One thing Hermano Arancibia said was, "having you sisters over is such an honor.  It's like inviting the Savior over into our house and having him eat with us."  I was taken back by his comment and felt such overwhelming love and gratitude for him and his family.

The Arancibia Familia

Another spiritual experience was a couple of days ago, at the Bishop' s house, but it starts a little earlier than that.  I don't remember if I mentioned this a couple weeks back, but while eating at Costa Vida one night, a man came up to Hermana Laurie and I and gave us $100 and then left.  We both decided that we wanted to give the money to a family that needed it in the Ward.  We talked to the Bishop and he said he would think of someone that was in need.  We went to his house on Saturday night and he gave us the name of a family who is very self-sufficient, and humble.  The husband had an infection in his mouth and had all of his teeth removed.  They work multiple jobs, and have a pretty big family.  He told us more things that just touched our hearts and we knew that we needed to give them the money.  The Bishop was shocked at our willingness to just hand it over, and it brought me back to seeing my parents example of how being charitable and giving to others brings a lot more happiness than keeping the material things, like money, for ourselves.  So, thank you, Mom and Dad for teaching me that lesson long, long ago.  We put the money in a little card, and signed it  anonymously - #Light the World hasn't stopped! It's only just the beginning!

So, TRANSFERS: I am staying in my current area and Hermana ZAYAS is going to be my new and last companion!  I am so excited!  I think Heavenly Father has a sense of humor, because with this new companionship, I have now been companions with all the Sisters in my Zone, and what better way to end my mission, than with a companion who lived in Puerto Rico before her mission!  The Lord is in the details of our lives, my friends!!  Hermana Laurie is heading over to Lehi with Hermana Orjuela.  I'm sad to be separated from her, but excited for her to have new experiences.

I'm going to Miss Serving with Hermana Laurie.

Well, Hermana Zayas and I are going to start the New Year and new transfer by contacting every single investigator on the books.  We also have really big plans for the Ward and Area.  Hermana Laurie and I talked to the Bishop in preparation for our talks we gave yesterday (which went super well!), and had the idea to ask the Ward Council to include missionary work in their personal fasts.  Well, the Bishop liked the idea so much that he invited the entire Ward to do the same!  It was amazing to feel the unity in the Ward.  We also cover 7 other Stakes in our Zone, all of whom we've never visited.  So, we have plans this week to contact and visit each stake President and their High Councilman over missionary work, and get the work flowing here in good old Pleasant Grove.  Hermana Zayas and I are ready to take over the World with Baptisms, haha!! - #goteampuertorico

Tender Mercies this week:
1. We went to the Temple, and saw President and Sister Killpack there!
2. Went to MLC and one of my good friends I've made in the mission, Hermana Urbina, came up to me and gave me a necklace of a bike (representing missionary work) and said, "Merry Christmas!"  I was shocked.  I asked her why she was giving me something when I hadn't done anything for her.  She said, "well we had an extra necklace and my companion and I were thinking of who we could give it to, and we thought of you".
3. I was reminded of my Dad's wonderful example of serving my Grandpa for the last three years, while I was helping Hermana Laurie last Thursday, all day, because she got the stomach flu.  It truly was such a blessing to serve her all day, and to try to do as the Savior would do.
4. Received two new investigator references from a member in our Ward
5. Finally found a less active member we have been looking for ALL TRANSFER, and she was really touched by the #LightTheWorld video, and said, we could come by anytime.

Temple Day with Hermana Zayas, Cazares, Green, Laurie and Elders Brito and Lespin.

Well, in preparation for my upcoming release from the mission, President Killpack asked me to fill out this paper of goals for one year from now, and 5 years from now.  I really like this, and the thing I was focusing on the most, is continuing the progress I've made on my Mission so far, and applying it after the Mission.  Progression doesn't have to stop at the end of my Mission, rather, I've only begun to prepare for the rest of my life.  Dad included a quote by Elder Holland in his spiritual thought yesterday that I really liked, and that is my focus for this New Year in progressing as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Elder Holland said; "When Christ comes, the members of his Church must look and act like members of His Church are supposed to look and act, if we are to be acceptable to Him.  We must be doing His work and we must be living His teachings.  He must recognize us quickly and easily as truly being His disciples.”  So, that's my goal, to be like Him and to still be recognized as His disciple, with, or without my Missionary Tag.

I Love our Zone!

I loved seeing all the pictures of my cute Puerto Rico families and their Christmas presents you sent.  My favorite part is seeing the framed pictures of me with them in their homes, what wonderful memories.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, for helping me with this Christmas project.  However, I can't even take any credit for it,  because you and Dad worked so hard to put together the packages and mailed them to them, from me.  That's the best Christmas present I have received, so thank you!

Last week I had MLC, CDM and a mission activity.  The two meetings went really well, and I gave my 20 minute training on how the Atonement is the central to our purpose as missionaries.  The entire point of missionary work is to help others, "receive the message of the restored gospel".  Gospel, means, "good news" and if we look in the Bible dictionary under, "gospels" it says that, "the good news is that Christ has made an infinite Atonement".  So, we are helping others receive the ATONEMENT.  Why? Because it is the ONLY way we will be able to return happily, as families to our loving Father in Heaven.  Salvation is personal, and we alone are responsible for our own sins, and the only way to be cleansed of those sins is through the Atonement.  This knowledge is way too important to be kept just as a testimony in our hearts.  Heavenly Father knew that, so he sends missionaries all around the world to help others develop faith in Jesus Christ and His ATONEMENT.  I don't think it's coincidence the placement of the word, "Atonement" in our missionary purpose statement either.  "Our purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel. Through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement,  repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end".  Notice, that the word, "Atonement" is placed right after faith.  It is not after baptism, nor after enduring to the end, but before repentance.  In order for us to truly understand the reason why we repent, get baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end is by understanding WHO Jesus Christ is, and why He did what He did, and what that means personally for each of us.  That's a little bit about what I taught about in my training lesson.  Hope you liked it as much as I did!

Friday night we had our mission new year activity from 5-9.  We met in Thanksgiving Point and met the Killpack's whole family, and then went down the street to the Luminaria, an exhibit full of incredible Christmas lights, and a "Light of the World" outdoor exhibit of Christ's life in statues.  It was so amazing and beautiful!!  We have to go again next year as a family, because It is so beautiful. It was a lot of fun and a night I'll never forget!

Luminaria 2017

Sunday, Hermana Laurie and I spoke in Church.  That was fun, and we got the Ward excited about Missionary Work -Yay!!

This week is the start of my last transfer and I am so excited to work super hard and give everything I can muster, over to the Savior and His work.  I am grateful for all of the love and support I have felt and I am excited to see where this year takes me.

Love you all.

-Hermana Kali Rae Green

Week 70

Hey, Merry (late) Christmas everyone!


I got a bit emotional as I thought about, how it was my last Christmas in the mission field, bittersweet moment, because although I miss my family and can't wait to be with them, I love my mission and serving the Lord and his people.  This Christmas was a lot more special than the first Christmas in my mission, which is weird to say, but as we were watching, "The Nativity" video at the Panton's house, everything just hit me, as to why I felt like this, I truly "understand" Christmas a little more.  In the last 16 months, I have come to know and understand who the Savior is.  I have come to appreciate more His Atoning Sacrifice that He lovingly did for each of us.  I have come to understand that having charity and serving one another is exactly what the Savior did at all times, which is why, I have never felt so much joy in my entire life until my mission, because I have been in His service.
 
The more I have come to know the Savior, the happier I've been.  I've loved doing the "Light The World" initiative because it's allowed me to see the following:
1. Giving instead of receiving is truly is the best way to spend our time, and all our efforts in the Christmas season, and all year round.
2. It's not a coincidence that the entire world is a lot more united, loving and charitable during the Christmas season, because it is a reflection of the Saviors attributes.
3. Everything I need, I already have, my family, friends, and the gospel. But, most importantly, I have the knowledge that Christ is our Mediator to enjoying the blessings of  eternal life.  Sister Panton said something on Christmas Day that I will never forget.  With tears in her eyes, she said "We have been so excited to have you over, because what better way to celebrate Christmas, than to be able to have those who talk about Christ everyday in our home."  What an honor it was for me in that moment to be recognized as a representative of Jesus Christ.  I will never forget that moment.

Investigators:
1. Luz: we went over a couple times last week to visit Luz and she told her husband that she wants to be baptized! We are so excited!
2. Okay for the sake of time, I will get into more detail next week, but we called every single investigator in the Elders area, and set up return appointments with them.  Not every one of them answered, but those that did are really excited to get to know us!
3. Veronica: she was going to come to the Christmas party, then she didn't, so that was sad. But, we have a return appointment with her tomorrow!

Tender Mercies this week:
1. We saw a man while driving down this street hunched over on the ground and not getting up, so we turned around to go and help him. Turns out, he had been hit by a car and they sped off, he had a broken nose, so I called 911, and other people came and helped too. It was honestly incredible to see the love we all showed this poor man. Also, one of the ladies helping, turned out to be the best friend of Elder Santiago's family. Elder Santiago is an Elder I was in the MTC with, and recently returned back to Puerto Rico.
2. A member of our Ward knitted us scarves for Christmas.
3. After barely snowing at all this winter, it snowed on Christmas Day. My first white Christmas!
4. Someone cleaned off the ice off our car so we didn't have to one morning.
5. Went to the temple the day after Christmas!
6. While looking for this house off a reference we received, a man came outside, and asked us if we were missionaries, and invited us inside to meet his family. It turned out to be the family we were looking for. He is now one of our newest investigators!!

Christmas day was well spent.  First, we had breakfast at the Vincent's, and they gave us some cute presents.  Then, Hermana Laurie and I opened our presents, then I called you my lovely family, then Hermana Laurie called hers, then we went and visited the Holland family, and then went to the Panton's and they gave us cute gifts,  and then we went to the Camey family's house, then off to eat dinner with Hermano Ochoa (our Ward Mission Leader) and his family, then to visit Verónica, and then we went home. It was a long and wonderful day.

It was such a wonderful experience getting to talk to you, my wonderful family. I really have no greater joy than what each of you bring me.

I hope you all enjoyed light the world as much as I did! I invite you all to continue looking for ways to #LightTheWorld everyday!

Next Monday are transfer calls, and to tell you the truth I have NO idea whats going to happen, especially because it's my last transfer in the Mission.:(  It's Crazy, but I hope that I stay in the area with Hermana Laurie, that is my hope, but whatever Heavenly Father wants, I will gladly go and do, Iré y haré!!!

As I am realizing that this week marks the end of the year, I have been reflecting on everything that I have experienced.  I have experienced quite a bit of things (haha), but I wouldn't take anything back. The Lord truly is in the details of our lives.  He knows me perfectly, and I am so grateful to have had the chance to be in His Service during the year of 2017.  As the New Year comes, I hope that I can reflect and apply the things I have learned in my mission so far, into the rest of my life.  I am so excited to spend the next 7 weeks giving all that I have to this work.

I know my Savior lives.  I know this is where I'm supposed to be.  I know that without Him, I am nothing, and with Him, I am everything I can be, and so much more!!!

I love you all, have a wonderful New Year, and please be safe!


Hermana Kali Rae Green

Thank You to My Family and Friends for the Christmas Love!

Our district plus the English elders that are in my stake with Hermana Laurie and I sang,"Angels We Have Heard on High" the first verse in English, the second verse in Spanish, the third in English. It was a blast.

White Elephant Gift Exchange 

My Zone

Week 69

Hello My Dear Family and Friends!

It snowed again, but then stopped. We all hope it'll snow on Christmas. We put up our Christmas decorations today and they look SO CUTE.  Thanks mom :)

Spiritual experiences:

Well, one big one comes to my mind, it happened yesterday.  This week has been a pretty stressful week, not gonna lie. I've felt a lot of pressure, feelings of inadequacy, and a bit of stress as the only Sister Trainer Leader for this new big area I have been assigned.  At the end of my personal study yesterday, I prayed and asked Heavenly Father for the strength and faith to do the responsibilities he has asked me to do, and more than anything, I really just needed to know if he was there, listening to me, and I asked if he would help me recognize that he was aware of me and what I was currently going through.  I ended my prayer, and not even 30 seconds later I heard my email sound go off.  I thought, "who could be emailing me on a Sunday morning?" Sure enough, and to my surprise, it was the lovely Hermana Smart, President Smart's wife from Puerto Rico.  Before Elder Juarez left to go back to Puerto Rico, as one of the 14 Elders called back, I had given him one of the nativities Mom made to give to the Smarts, with a note attached.  So, Sister Smart wrote me a note, thanking me for the gift, and said many wonderful things, and in the end said, "I love you very much", I just started bawling.  For many reasons, but the most important being that Heavenly Father was SO quick to respond to my prayer.  I knew in that moment that He had heard me, that He was aware of me, and was kind enough to answer my prayer literally right after I had asked.  Heavenly Father puts very specific people in our lives to help remind us that he's aware of us and we are never alone. I immediately felt at peace and knew that I would have His help to accomplish all that I needed to do, so I did not have to stress or worry about it, just needed to keep my faith strong and leave the worries to Him.

Investigators:

Tino and Maria: so, this week was crazy with them, but a lesson learned indeed.  So, Tuesday we had this powerful lesson on the Plan of Salvation and it ended with us extending a baptismal invitation, and both of them saying yes, and explaining their great joy in their decisions.  Hermana Laurie and I, left the house leaping and screaming and almost in tears out of the happiness we felt.  We went back on Friday, and had the complete opposite experience.  Tino had heard a lot of rumors about the Church that weren't true, and he was criticizing and demeaning our beliefs.  A definite  change had happened, and they both were very against the things we shared.  Hermana Laurie and I both knew that we couldn't leave their house without giving them the chance and opportunity to hear the message of the Restoration of the Gospel, and testify of its truthfulness.  Once we got to the First Vision, the topic of Joseph Smith became of interest, and not in the nicest of ways.  We had, had enough, and we boldly testified of the truthfulness of this message, and testified that the ONLY way they could know if everything we had shared with them was true or not, was by reading the Book of Mormon and pondering the things it contains in their hearts, and praying to know of its truthfulness.   They hesitantly accepted the invitation, and took it.  We'll be going back tomorrow to see if they have read and prayed, or not.  I'll explain more about this when we Skype! All and all, it was a pretty cool experience, haha!

Luz: so, yesterday we had a combined lesson with the Elders (Elder Ruiz, Elder Brito and Elder Gonzales) to transition one of their investigators, Luz.  She is super cool and married to a member.  It was such a cool experience being in a lesson with four other missionaries, all working by the Spirit to discern her needs.  The spirit was so strong.  We have a return date for tomorrow and we're super excited!  They invited us over for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, I don't remember which one, haha!!!

Tonight we'll be meeting with a couple more investigators of the Elders and going to an FHE,  I'll probably have a LOT more to talk about next week once the new area is moving along!

So, my sister (Tina) inspired me last week to make a list of tender mercies I see from the Lord every week.  I've seen that as I do this, it helps me remember how merciful the Lord is with me, and how I have seen His hand in my daily life.  So, here's this week's: 1) Hermana Smarts email to me with a message from the Lord at the perfect moment. 2) We came home on Thursday night to find a brand new bottle of Dawn dish soap nicely wrapped in a Christmas bag on our porch, so why is this such a tender mercy? The same day, we had ran out and we had told no one, but I knew that Heavenly Father was watching out for us, haha. 3) A member of the Bishopric of a Ward we've never gone to brought us brownie mix as a thank you gift from his ward for us for our service as missionaries. 4) Elder Ruiz took the time to sit down with us, go through EVERY SINGLE INVESTIGATOR in detail to help us begin this new area. While he was doing that, there was a man playing beautiful music on the piano in the chapel, and it was snowing outside, I felt so much peace and love in my heart from the Lord. 5) While trying to contact a reference on a really, really cold day, a lady invited us in for hot chocolate, and offered us dinner on Christmas Day, and a place to make a phone call to our families if we didn't have a way to talk to them. 6) We finally met a member in one of the English Wards we cover after trying to visit her for 2 weeks. We shared a message and video from "Light the World", and she started bawling, telling us how she knew that it wasn't coincidence that we came by, and that she had been struggling, and that we came at the perfect moment where she was just about to lose hope on the Lord. 7) people laughed at my lame jokes I made. 8) 14 Elders happily returned to Puerto Rico to help the people I love so very much. 9) a random member gave us a box of chocolate for no reason. 10) A couple less active families came to church Sunday for the first time in a long while. 11) We got 35 out of 36 on our car inspection at zone conference! 12) Hermano Aponte (from the High Council over missionary work) and his family, gave us special Christmas ornaments from Puerto Rico!

So, another really big tender mercy was during Zone Conference.  President and Sister Killpack will invite the MLS couples and Stake President's from our Mission area to our Zone Conferences sometimes.  There was a senior couple behind me and I talked to them a little bit and explained that I was a missionary originally assigned to Puerto Rico.  After I gave my training and sat down, the husband tapped me on the shoulder, and said, "Now, would the Lord create a hurricane to bring Hermana Green here to help lead these missionaries in the Utah Orem mission?" And he sat back, smiling.  I started crying, as I received yet another confirmation, that I was where I needed to be!

Hope y'all enjoyed those tender mercies as much as I did! The lord is very aware of our needs, and He is involved in the details of our lives.  If we take the time each day to recognize and reflect upon them, we will truly be amazed and so blessed.  I am so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord that I see each day.  He gives me strength and hope, and reminds me that I am never alone and He is always watching over me!

Oh, our Zone Conference combined Christmas party was SO FUN.  So, from 9-12 we were receiving trainings and I was translating the whole time for Hermana Laurie and man my brain was FRIED, but it was really fun!  Our district plus the English Elders, that are in my Stake with Hermana Laurie and I sang, "Angels We Have Heard on High", the first verse in English, the second verse in Spanish, the third in English, it was a blast - you'll see pictures.  Then we had a really yummy lunch and then played games.  For our White Elephant gift exchange I bought a whisk.  I know, that sounds lame, but it had to be something both Elders and Sisters could use, plus it had to be under $2 in value, so that was the best gift I could come up.  My companion bought a tiny cheese grater, HAHAHAHA!!!, I love her!!! So, I ended up with brownie mix, that Hermana Cazares brought, cant wait to make them.  At the end of the party, we sang some Christmas hymns and got our Christmas gifts from our families and friends.  It was a great day.

Also, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED with the gifts for the children of the Ponce and Mayagüez Stakes in Puerto Rico!  My heart is so, so happy! THANK YOU MOM, SISTER BRADFORD AND SISTER BIANUCCI! We couldn't have done it without you all. I love each and every one of you! I am grateful this Christmas that my family elected to not receive of gifts this Christmas and gave all that we had to my investigators, converts and members who are in need in Puerto Rico.  Our family truly received the greatest gift this Christmas and my heart is overflowing with joy and happiness.  Thank you family and friends for your contributions, hard work, love and support!  Hermana Vasquez from Puerto Rico sent me the cutest message yesterday thanking us for her gifts. I'll send you a screenshot of it with translation of what she said. She's adorable.


I went on exchanges with Hermana Zayas this week and it was fantastic! We bonded over Puerto Rico and had a great time learning from one another. We went to this one member's house, who is from Puerto Rico and is like 21 years old. She gave us Puerto Rican food and gave us la masa para hacer las empanadillas, I was so happy!! My heart and stomach were full.  So, during my exchange, we went and had dinner with Mirna and Elian. They were a reference originally for us, but it turned out they lived in American Fork which is outside of our Area. They got baptized a couple of weeks ago, and I was able to teach them four times in the week I was training with the American Fork Sisters. They are such a sweet family. When I sprained my ankle, Mirna, got out some oils and lotion, and rubbed my foot and was helping it not swell as much.  I told her no way she had to rub oils on me, because it was a foot, but she insisted.  She is so humble, and it just reminded me of when the Savior washed his Apostle's feet.  I was overwhelmed with tender emotions.  I gave them a Nativity and they were so happy.  I told them I would come visit them with you. They're excited to meet you both, haha!!  We've gone to a lot of Ward Christmas parties and it's been great for Hermana Laurie to practice her English.  Oh, I forgot to mention last week, we went to the Provo MTC and visited her sister! That was pretty cool.

Exchanges with Hermana Zayas, Mirna & Elian, Masa Para Hacer Empanadillas

OKAY HERMANA PEARCE IS THE HOMIE. I can't believe she went to Puerto Rico to give some humanitarian aid, and took the time to go to my old apartment and get my Puertorican stuff that I left behind in the Hurricane, and send it home to you! I owe her everything. THANKS SARAH!

So life is crazy.  Life is good.  Can't complain.  I am so happy that the 14 elders are back in Puerto Rico.  I've heard from a couple of them, and I am so happy for them, and for the people.  I can't wait to go back and help them out after I am finished here in Orem.

Keep on Lighting the World, I am so grateful for you all.

See you next Monday on SKYPE, can't wait to see you all and talk with you!!!!!

love,

-Hermana Kali Rae Green

Spanish tutoring with Tyler! And sister Panton in the back. I love this family so much. 

Cleaning our car, taken right before I whacked myself in the head with the vacuum and had my jacket swallowed by it right after HAHAHA