Yo Soy Zoque...Ocozocoautla!

Hola todos! 

Mi querida familia, como los amo. Oro por ustedes diario. Se que Dios los va a bendicir muchisimo. 

I arrived to Tuxtla Gutierrez on Monday evening. I LOVE it here. It´s so green. There are miny mosquitos here that eat me everyday. As long as I drench in mosquito spray i´m fine, haha. I´m getting pretty adjusted to the heat and humidity. It´s really not that bad. 

Monday evening when I was sitting down waiting to eat dinner all the trainers walked in and Sister Hernandez sat next to me, when she did I felt a very special feeling towards her, like an instant bond.

Tuesday morning we met with our Mission President (then Pres. Cardenas) and he assigned our mission companions. I remember seeing Hna. Hernandez´s photo pop up, and the area of Coita and I just knew she would be my trainer... and she is! I love Hna. Hernandez, she´s such a great example to me. She walks so fast, it´s great because I just can´t go slow.... Hermana Hernandez is such a wise teacher. Sometimes I wish I had a tape-recorder with me so that I could remember everything she says, hahah. 

My first area is called Ocozocoautla, it´s a pueblito 40min. away from Tuxtla (the capital and where the mission home is). It´s a very beautiful area, very hilly, incredibly green. It rains a lot here, it´s humid and very hot. But I don´t mind it. I´m INCREDIBLY blessed. My house here in Coita is very nice, definitely not what I expected. 

Some things that i´m really growing to learn by being a missionary is how important it is to be here for the right reasons: to want to serve the people, to serve with love, to take each day one at a time and more than anything to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ with the spirit. The spirit is the key to conversion.

A couple of awesome things that happened this week: a member fed us fish, eyes, bones, all and all. It´s the best fish i´ve ever had. On Friday when we were street contacting it randomly started to pour, we were soaking wet and still had 3 maybe 4 hours until 9pm, our branch President told us he´d give us a ride to each of our citas so that we didn´t have to walk. Since we´re not allowed to be in the truck with him we were standing up in the back of his trunk. I tried using my umbrella to block us from the rain but it kept flipping inside out because of the wind. Oh man, it was soooo much fun, we couldn´t stop laughing. Days like those just make my heart swell with happiness.

Our investigators here in Coita are semi-solids. I know they have felt the spirit and have faith but they are lacking in action. We had 7 investigators planned to come to church and I was ecstatic until they all fell through the day of for different reasons. I was a little bummed sitting in sacrament meeting until we met Angel, an 18 yr old young man who´s dating a less active mormon girl who decided to just show up to church. They came to sacrament and me and my comps. class on temples and family history. We have a cita set up with him tomorrow. 

Some of our goals here in Coita are to have two baptisms this Month, and to have 20 street contacts every day. So I meet 140 new people a week. Street contacting is my strength as a missionary. I love getting to know people and hearing their stories. It´s so interesting. There are SO many things i learn simply by stopping and talking to people. These past few days me and my comp. have really tried contacting men, we Need more priesthood holders in Coita to make our branch a ward. 

New Mission President: President George. He´s a farmer from wyoming, man on man do I already love him. I met with him this past Saturday. At the end of my ¨get to know you¨ interview I asked him if he could give me a blessing, upon which he gladly did. It was such a neat, bonding experience. Afterwards he told me, ¨I sure wish I could give you a hug right now¨, I smiled and gave him a ¨hand hug¨.

I know the Lord knows us all, individually and personally. There is strength and power in the Doctrine of Christ. I love being a missionary. It´s definitely spiritually, mentally and physically draining BUT The Lord re-strengthens us (missionaries) each day. I know this because every morning I wake up with energy and strength to continue strong. I love declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ. It seems like every time we talk about the restoration of the gospel through the prophet Joseph Smith a LARGE distraction comes up out of nowhere. Even with these distractions i know those we teach are still able to feel the spirit.

There is nothing more beautiful to me than to teach a lesson and have my whole soul be filled with joy. Each time I teach or bear my testimony, my love for the Savior is deepened. This truly is the work of Salvation. 

Be Bold, share the gospel. There are So many people who need to know that Jesus Christ HAS restored His Church upon the earth. The one, and only true church. Here in Coita there are many religions, mostly catholics by name but what I do know is that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the ONLY church with the 4 fundamental truths that Have to be in a church to be the Church of Jesus Christ: Revelation, a Living Prophet, the Priesthood, and 12 apostles.

Never doubt it. Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. Kneel down, open your heart and the Lord will fill your heart and mind with the Spirit of truth.

I love being a missionary. I love this work and I know this is where I am needed. Please pray for me and my investigators.

5 lessons, 5 church attendances = 1 Baptism = 1 Soul Saved :) 

Keep the letters coming. I love the love.

My address is:

Hermana Bethsaida P. Coronado

Mision Mexico Tuxtla Gutierrez

Calle Jazmines #210

Fracc. Los Laureles

Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico

C.P. 29020

With Love,

Hermana Coronado

p.s. Mexico is SO americanized, the music, the food places (carls jr, mcd´s, applebees). It´s pretty interesting.

My bedroom, left bed is mine, not hot water in my shower but I actually prefer it. After sweating all day, cold is good. haha

View from my house´s balcony

Where I study w/ my comp every morning

Where me and my comp. wash/dry clothes

Zoque = Ocozocoautla Dialect

We have investigators way up in what I call a Mini-mtn., and the view is so worth the hike up. It´s so beautiful. 

The fish!!!!

The streets of Lucio Cabañas (very humble people)

(sorry for the email overload!)

Know that I am VERY happy. Love you all!

La Obra De Salvacion

Hola Mi Querida Familia y amigos, 

Manana es el Dia en el que me voy de el CCM. Tomorrow is the day I leave the MTC to go to Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico. It has been a whirlwind of many emotions, mostly excitement and love for the people I am going to be able to meet. 

This past week me and my companion sister Schmit taught Angel, aka Brother Adlish. We taught "angel" about the restoration of this gospel, the blessings that come from faith and a true desire in following the example of Jesus Christ. Angel was an investigator Brother Adlish had while on his mission in Chile. He is a 56yr. old man whose wife and 3 sons are active members of the church. On Wednesday night as me and my companion were testifying of the truthfulness of this gospel, of the blessings of this gospel the spirit was SO strong we all started to cry. I remember sitting there telling him that he has been given a second chance, a new start. That His family loved him more than he could imagine, that by accepting the baptismal challenge he would be truly happy. It was an experience i will hold dear to my heart, forever. 

It may not have been a "real" lesson but the lessons i've learned this week and at the MTC are so strong, real and truly bless my life. I know there is so much power when we teach with the spirit. I had always heard prior to my mission that The Spirit is Our Key, Baptism is the way. It truly is. When we prepare a lesson, earnestly pray, and teach the gospel the spirit will be there. I know that these experiences will allow me to teach boldly and simply when I get to Mexico Monday afternoon.  

This afternoon I had my last class and heard so many wonderful quotes that strengthened my perspective on missionary work. I have a journal in which i mark a line dividing the page in half; on the left side I write down quotes/sayings/questions that i've heard/really liked; on the right side I jot down all my thoughts, feelings and questions. Afterwards I go back and put a box around the things I feel were inspirational for me from the right side of the page. It's like my own spiritual guide for my life. You should all try it. It's amazing. 

In class today we read the talk "Encontrar gozo en el trayecto" por el Presidente Monson. Unas citas que me encantaron fueron: "Encuentren gozo en el trayecto: ahora", "Si acumulan suficientes mananas, encontraran que han colecionado muchos ayeres vacios". 

I know that I have a very limited time to share the wonderful message that Christ atoned for our Sins. He resurrected, He lives and He will return again. I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ Blesses families. I know that Heavenly Father truly has a Plan of Endless Happiness for us (Mos. 2:41). I know that our missionary purpose is based on DDC, La Doctrina De Cristo. I know that Christ truly showed us the path through His example of baptism (Matthew Ch. 3). 

Thank you for your constant love, and prayers. I feel them strengthening me each day. Seek the guidance of the Lord in all you do. Pray with earnesty and sincerity and you will feel a gozo, a joy you have never felt before. I know because I am able to feel these things all day, everyday. It is the greatest experience i've ever had.

Stay strong. Mom, dad, David, I love you SO SO Much. I think and pray for you all the time. 

Hasta La Proxima, 

Hermana Coronado

 Photos that didn't send last time

 My Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico sisters

My MTC district 

Soy Hermana Coronado

Hola mi querida familia y amigos!

I love the MTC, so much. It's crazy to thing that it's day 6 and I am halfway through with my MTC experience. Everything here is GO-GO-....GO. Every hour there is something to do. At times I get tired but I tell myself, "animaos o perecereis". I have learned so many wonderful things that have only fortified my testimony and allowed me to truly convert myself to the Savior. Yesterday I was able to watch "The Character of Christ" by Elder Bednar. It's so good. I highly recommend you to watch his talk if you can. 

 I love this gospel SO Much. I'll be going into the Mission Field June 22nd, leaving to Mexico late that evening (a day earlier than anticipated). But, I couldn't be more excited. Being a missionary, a literal disciple of Jesus Christ fills my heart and soul with so much Joy, more than words can describe. My companions name is Hermana Schmit, she is from Sacramento, California, is going to Merida, Mexico and speaks with an Argentinian accent. We are tooooootal opposites. I'm like jumping of the walls, outgoing, willing to talk to any/everyone. While she is a little more reserved, calm, but has an incredibly strong testimony. The Lord truly does choose companionships based on our differences and strengths. So far we have 3 investigators- 2 of which are our teachers, but they feel real because when we teach them they are So in character. The third is a 24 yr old girl named Natalie, she is living with a member and has attended church but she herself isn't a member. Hermana Schmit and I have a powerful connection when we teach, the spirit is present and we truly do draw from one anothers' testimonies. This past Sunday we were interviewed by our Branch President, President Call and as he talked with me he told me that Hermana Schmit told him she is learning a lot from me and feels herself growing as a missionary. I feel she is doing the same for me! We kneel down and pray together before and after every lesson we teach, and every night before we go to bed we pray for the Lord's guidance in His work. 

There are 2 other girls who are living in our Apt. with us here in Wyview, their names are Hermana Venegas and Hermana Detrinidad, Hermana D, is Just like me. Since the first day we met, we clicked. Hermana V, is just like my companion. It's funny how that worked out. Each of these sisters has such a strong testimony of our Savior. Hermana Detrinidad started this thing in our apt., where every night after we all kneel down and pray together we go around in a circle and say one attribute we really admired from each other (throughout that day). It's really a beautiful, and powerful thing. I am definitely going to continue to do this when I am out in the field. It not only keeps us united, it causes us to love one another even more. 

As I missionary I feel that I am learning to turn out with Love, Compassion and Service rather than turning inwards and thinking of myself. Time flies by here at the MTC.  I am incredibly excited to continue to progress as a missionary. I remember the first day I got here I was amazed at how well everything flowed. The first time I taught with my companion there was already such unity, such strength. Mom, as you've always told methat as a missionary you have the ability to teach with Authority and Power. I can truly feel this, each day, it's only getting stronger. There is power in this gospel, in our faith, in our love for our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love it. 

Yesterday was one of those days where my body was physically tired but my mind was filled with energy. The Lord truly fortifies and strenghtens his missionaries. My companion speaks spanish, practically perfectly. So my days are filled with 24/7 Espanol, pero me encanta. I tell my roomates and companion "animoas o perecereis" when we are tired physically and have to go do service at 6am. It's awesome because when they see me slow down, they'll tell this to me and i'll be re-energized. Like I say my companion's argentinian so now i'm constantly speaking "yo" as "chhoo".  And now from me she is learning to say "ayy, Chihuaha" all the time now. haha. It's pretty awesome. 

 

Tomorrow I am getting up at 4:30am and going to Las Vegas with many Elders and Hermanas that are going on their missions to Mexico. We have to go to a Mexican Consulate in Vegas to get our Visa's, we get home by 10pm (the same night) It's be a long, but fun day. I meet the most interesting, diverse people here at the MTC, some have the greatest accents. A dominican elder told me a joke once, I literally understood nothing he said, but it was so funny. In my district there are 4 sisters, 3 elders. One of the Elder's is always talking about cooking food, his analogy always has to do with food, it's awesome. The simplest things here are the greatest. 

I love the choice that I have made to serve a mission. It's sooo much fun. I'm able to feel the spirit all day, learn the gospel, learn how to bring others unto Christ, and laugh all day. We've had a lot of memorization challenges like: DyC 20:73, Alma 5:13, memorizing Mi Proposito Como una misionera, and Joseph's Smith's first vision, etc.. I'm glad I learned a few of these before getting here, it makes it much more powerful when I'm teaching and can recite different scriptures. 

Always remember that Faith Unlocks divine power. A quote I heard and loved at the MTC Sunday devotional, "The Savior rarely moves the mountains in front of you, but he will always help you climb them!" - Sherri Dew I love being able to focus my life 100% on what the Lord wants of me. I love my family with all my heart. I pray for you every single day. I think of you often. Dad, I wrote you a letter for Father's day, I know it'll be a little late but know that I thought of you all day on Sunday and all the wonderful memories we had. Thanks for being the best dad for me. David, tell me more about NYC!

Yo tengo un testimonio que esta es la Iglesia de Dios, fue restaurado por el Profeta Jose Smith. Se que hay poder en leer el Libro De Mormon, y en orar humildemente ante Dios. El realmente contesta nuestras oraciones. Amo a mi Padre Celestial, yo se que en orar hacia el, el se llena de gozo y felicidad. Amo a mi Salvador, Jesucristo. Amo lo que puedo traere a la gente de Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico. Yo se que hay gente que esta esperando a recibir las bendiciones de este evangelio. Se que hay una diferencia en tener un testimonio y realmente ser convertido a Cristo. Siguen fuertes, oren por mi y mi companera! Nunca duden que esta iglesia fue establecido por Jesucristo para nosotros. Vaian al templo.

Con Mucho Amor,

Hermana Coronado 

 My Favorite - Haha 

Some of my faaaaaaaavorite hermanas here at the MTC

The classroom I spend mostly...the entire day in learning the gospel

Where I live- MTC West campus, aka, a Spanish World

I love you dad, SOOOOO MUUUUCHHH!!!!

Mis favoritas hermanas aqui en el CCM. All we do is laugh when we're together.

Part of my zone

Sorry for the photo overload. Y'all. 

Until next week, Hermana Coronado! :)