Life in San Jose

Dear Family,

I have realized I haven't been very informative (thanks to Mom) about my whereabouts and situation. Just that I'm happy and I love it here! So let me do a little explaining...

Once upon a time there was this girl named Sister Bingham (because that's always been my name.) and she was on a mission in San Jose California. Well, she spent about 6 weeks in the MTC and then got to California, and forgot to tell her family what it was like. So after spending about 7 weeks in California, she decided to tell her family what her life in California was like.

Done with that... anyways, I am in the San Jose zone, which is right in the heart of San Jose. Obviously. We are one of two zones in the San Jose stake. And then my ward/area is the Yerba Buena ward, which is a Spanish speaking ward. Yeah, we have a whole ward. There are a lot of Mexicans here. :) Also, we like baptizing them. There are currently 7 missionaries in the Yerba Buena ward: Sister Kofford and I, Sisters Spackman and Jensen, and Elders, Alvarez, Phillips, and James. We love it. We are very blessed to have so many missionaries in our ward. Our ward it great too. The Bishop is amazing, and works really well with us. He is always trying to make sure we have the help we need and is wonderful. He also has decided to do this new thing: we are going to just plan to have a baptismal service every two weeks and plan it out and everything. His philosophy is, "If we fill it they will come." (Yes, my Uruguayan bishop quoted Field of Dreams while presenting this plan. It was awesome). Our zone consists of English, Spanish, and Vietnemese speaking missionaries. We have 1 spanish ward, 3 english wards and a Viet branch. It's awesome. Also, we do 21 here, so it's the greatest. We have a lot of cool people here in our ward too. It's great.

So service: Yes, we do have a lot of service opportunities here. Our mission president has asked us to get about 10 service hours a week: but not more than that. So every week, Sister Kofford and I average about 4 acts, with 8 hours. We teach an English class every week for an hour, and my favorite is park service. We go to this park every week called Guadalupe River park, that is completely run by volunteer work, and we sometimes pick fruit, sometimes we weed, mulch, prune, and one time we even made apple cider. It's fun. It's nice to be outdoors and be with lots of missionaries doing stuff. I like it. We also play the piano in Primary every week, which counts as 2 hours of service, since there are definitely other meetings we could be in. :) that's fun too. And then we usually try to find something else to do. Lately we've been going to this place called Veggielution, which is a volunteer based organic farm. We weed, harvest, and do all that kind of stuff, and every week after there is a potluck lunch, which consists of veggies grown there made into yummy stuff, so we help prepare that too. It's super fun.

Sister Kofford and I live in a little one bed room apartment, that is kind of a dump. Well, ours is because missionaries have lived in there for who knows how long. We have some memebers that live in the same complex, and their's is nice, but ours just isn't super great. And it's not super dumpy. Just... missionary like. Lets just put it this way: Elders have lived in it for a really long time, and sisters just started living there a little while ago. But I like it. It's fun. We're really close to all the other Yerba Buena missionaries (as in we're all in the same complex) so sometimes we do breakfast or dinner together. It's fun.

Does that answer all your questions? I hope so! I"ll send more pictures.. I just have to take some first. I'll send a  couple though. Love you all, Hope you're week is fantastic! The gospel is true, and missionary work is amazing!

Love,
Hermana Bingham

 We contacted a guy with a parrot a few weeks ago. I got to hold it. Then it bit my finger... So I have had a parrot bite my finger. How many other people can say that? Cool right?

Sister Kofford and I with Sister Barker

Hey Howdy Hey

Hey howdy hey everybody!

Today I am in a really good mood. Why, I have no clue. It's just a regular ol' pday with a regular ol' week ahead, but for some reason, I'm just really happy today. It could be just the fact that the sun is shining, we had waffles for breakfast, and now I'm here writing my favorite people in the world, but I have no clue. But just so you know, I'm really happy here. We went to the despedida last night (outgoing fireside) and one of the Elders in my zone that's leaving just kept talking about how happy the mission has made him, and how he never thought it would be possible to be that happy. And I agree 100000000000%. I know I've only been out here one transfer (one transfer! what?), but I have experienced so much JOY! The eternal kind. The kind that doesn't go away, because it comes from serving the Lord. And yeah, there are super hard times. But who cares, because the good times make them worth it. Like the other day, we went to visit one of our investigators and a potential that work together at this auto shop. And there was this white guy sitting there named Doug. Doug unfortuantely has some very twisted views of Mormonism and liked to argue with us. The first thing he said to us was "Where's your underwear?" Which is super inappropriate on any standing, but especially with us. He definitely liked to argue, and wouldn't let us talk, so we basically stood there listening to him bash on us and tell us we are brainwashed for a half an hour. But when we got a chance to leave we did, walked 10 feet away, and had such a great conversation with our investigator Ricardo. That's what I love about the mission. Satan can put awful people and trials in your path, but the Lord will give you something great after. And sometimes it doesn't even come immediately after. But it comes! And even when we're having a bad day, something will happen and change that completely for the better, and we'll look back at it and see it as a really good day. I love it. And when you teach someone about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the just get it, it's one of the best feelings ever. We found this 10 year old girl named Mariela on Saturday, and gave her a Book of Mormon and set up an appointment for Sunday with her. Well, we challenged her to read the introduction, and when we went on Sunday, we found out that she had not only read the introduction, she had read 1 Nephi 1-2, and half of 3. BUT, not only did she read it, but she translated it into Spanish for her mom!! (We usually teach kids in english, because they speak both but like english better). I mean, what an incredible girl! And she likes it. She has a fecha for October 12th, and when I asked her how she felt, she said she was excited. What 10 year old that's not already LDS is excited to read the Book of Mormon and get baptized? It's incredible! And we couldn't stop smiling. I am SO incredibly grateful for this opportunity I have to bring others this eternal joy and happiness that I have. The gospel of Jesus Christ brings us more joy than we can possible comprehend, and I get to share it with the people here in California. How lucky am I? I don't know. I'm just really happy right now. Really really happy. I just want you all to know that. And even if things get rough back there at home, just remember that we can find peace and happiness if we turn to our Savior. He knows our pain and griefs exactly, and He is there to pick us up when we fall down. I love you all, have a wonderful week.

Love,

Hermana Bingham

p.s. Mom, I'll pray for you with the dress thing. I'm sorry! It doesn't sound like fun at all! Love you! 

Missionary work!

Hola mi familia!

Como estan? My week was fantastic... I was doing missionary work! Sounds like you peeps had a pretty great week yourselves. I've got some news for you: WE DID IT! 21 baptisms with one week left in the transfer. Actually, we got 22. But more news, we are counting the 22nd baptism towards next transfer, when we are doing 21 again! The thing about 21 was that we wanted to change missionary work for our mission. Well, the Lord wants to change it. We have never seen numbers like the ones we've been getting, and none of the other zones have either. And ever since we've made this goal we've been being watched to see if this is possible. And we did it. We accomplished the impossible with the help of the Lord. It was a miracle. But part of this whole 21 thing was repenting and changing the way we did missionary work. We had a meeting on Thursday to try to decide what we wanted to do next transfer, what goals we wanted to have as a zone, because we thought there was no way 21 could happen again. We basically forgot the meaning of repentance. We wanted to start working on retaining converts, reactivating less actives, getting the ward to participate more, but upon receiving revelation, Elder Hammond, our dear zone leader learned that 21 is what's supposed to happen again. To truly repent of the way we do missionary work, we have to leave behind completely what we were doing before. So that's what we're doing. We are going to keep getting 5 new investigators and 5 baptisimal invites every week, fasting every Sunday, getting at least 21 contacts every day, studying the BofM for 21 minutes every day, and praying every day for 21. We aren't going back. But while we do this, we are going to keep working with our RC, less actives, and the ward. I don't know if you guys get how big of a deal 21 is, but it's HUGE! This is incredible! To get 21 new baptisms in 4 wards in a 6 week time period is crazy. And 3/4 of these wards are white wards. We're the only Spanish one. Actually, there might be a Vietemese ward too. We've got some Viet elders here... Cool right? But 4 wards. This is an insane goal. Actually, and impossible goal, but we're doing it with the help of the Lord. I know that in Utah it's hard to find people that don't already have the gospel, but I want to challenge each of you to reach out to someone this week. Maybe a less active, a nonmemeber, or even a memeber. But reach out to someone and try to share a gospel message with them. Help the missionaries... they need it! The gospel is spreading over all the earth, and it is our duty to take it to our brothers and sisters that don't have it. And whether or not we are full time missionaries we can do it. It's possible! Pray to have missionary experiences, and I can testify that the Lord will put someone that needs it in your path. So that's my challenge to you this week. The Lord is hastening his work, shouldn't we all want to be a part of that?

Sounds like you had a good Labor Day, nice and busy, but good! Also, I want the meat and cobbler you saved me sent to me in a package. Just so you know. :) Kidding. But speaking of packages... I have come to realize that the Vocal Point CD I bought never made it onto my iPod, so I was wondering if you would be so kind as to mail me the cd someday. That would be appreciated. It doesn't have to be like now, just sometime. I miss that CD. Also, if you could send Jayson's new EFY cd with it I would LOVE it. EFY cds are like our best friends out here. :) It's almost like normal music.

So to answer some questions, no the baptism was not in the stake center at the temple. We went to the temple in the morning and later that night we had the baptism at our building. And no, the temple isn't in our mission, we are just allowed to go there if a member drives us and we're taking an investigator. And I'm 90% positive President said we get to go every 6 months, and I'm pretty sure that's to do a session, but I'm not sure. We'll find out. You know what's crazy? I've been out for almost 2 whole transfers. That's what's nuts. That's 12 weeks people! It's gone by so fast! Bryce, you'll soon find that out. Mission time is not normal. The days feel like weeks, the weeks feel like days, and before you know it you've been out for two transfers and thinking "Where has all the time gone?" Also, Charlie has been out for almost a year, and it feels like he just left. It's super weird. Just so you all know. I just had to share. :)

How's the Payson temple coming along? Like, is the whole outside up yet, or are they still working on it? I'm curious to see what it looks like! And good work on the indexing dad! Maybe you'll dig up something and then can take our family names to the temple. Miracles happen if we truly have faith that they will, and seek guidance from the Lord. And you can totally do that with family history. It's super important. Also, crazy that Ager's parents left before her! That would be so weird!! I'm glad you guys were there to drop me off at the MTC, instead of me dropping you off. But that' super cool. Good for them, good for her! I'm excited for her!

The front door looks super good just so you know. It will be weird coming back to a black front door though. Not like super weird, just different. But I'm sure lots of things will be different when I get back.. weird.

Rain in Utah? What? It doesn't even rain here, and we're right next to San Fran. But really, I think it's rained once while I've been here, for like 2 minutes. But esta bien. Soon the rainy season (winter) will be upon us. And then I'll probably be sick of it.

I hope you all have a great week, I love you so much! You're always in my prayers. I love you!

Love,

Hermana Bingham

Miracles & Baptisms

Hello Family!

Sounds like some exciting things have happend. Bryce asked McKenzie to homecoming!! Yay!! It's about time... just kidding. But seriously. When is homecoming? I want to see pictures!!

Kyla is the back up pianist? Good work sis! You are so talented, keep working on those talents. Practice every day, and enjoy it! I regret not putting my all into the piano. It's a beautiful instrument, and super useful. And fun! :)

Jayson, driving will get better, I promise. It's hard, but you'll get it soon. Also, Mr. MacDonald and Mr. Bills are the greatest. So is Bro. Gividen. I'm sad he doesn't remember me though. Que triste. But I hope you LOVE high school. You're at the best high school ever, basically. And you are carrying on the Bingham Choir Dynasty. :) I love that he said that. Makes me laugh.

Dad, I am jealous of your meat. That sounds super good. Also, I've been craving your fried rice this week, so if you want to make some and send it over, that would be appreciated. Just kidding. Please don't send that through the mail. Gross. :P

Mom, sounds like you've been pretty busy with canning and stuff. Fun! Also it's super true, the Lord blesses us even when we're lame and disobedient. Because he loves us and is a God of Mercy. I'm so grateful for that. 

So basically I have a super awesome story to tell you this week. About my BAPTISMS!! So this week was crazy... like, super crazy. We hardly had time to eat. That's how busy it was. Wanna know why it was so busy? Because we had two baptisms scheduled, and also our zone had a goal of getting 21 new dates for this transfer. Which is basically insane. But it was to help us reach our goal of 21 baptisms. We really like the number 21 here. So we were busting our butts all week, meeting with Victor and Isac every day trying to make sure they were ready for baptism, and also getting their baptism ready (making a program and finding talks and prayers), and trying to get 5 new investigators and at least 3 dates for our companionship. So we had a slammed week. I don't think I've ever been more exhausted in my life, like seriously. But it's the best feeling. Going home every night and dying on your pillow, hardly even being able to stay awake for planning. I love it!

Okay here's the crazy part. So we had been meeting with Victor every day right? Well Thursday he doesn't show up, and doesn't answer his phone either. We called him like 5 times and nothing. And he ALWAYS comes... early even. So we dismiss it, thinking he must have got stuck at his doctor's appointment (he has epilepsy) and we'd see him Friday.  But Friday morning we got worried. So we called him. Twice. And he didn't answer. So we decided to look for him. We called the elders (they taught him twice before passing him to us) and told them to go look in the park where they found him, meanwhile we would go to his house and the hospital. So we go to his house, he's not there. We went to the hospital and looked everywhere! Not there. We went to a different park, not there. The Elders were biking and got a flat, so we went to one of Victor's friend's houses... not there. Then we get a text. They made it to the park, and he was THERE!! so we go over there, and Victor tells us he feels super pressured, didn't like meeting every day, and knew he would drink coffee after baptism and so he didn't want to get baptized because he couldn't be perfect. So Elder Alvarez (our DL) talked to him for like 2 hours and gave him the interview. He talked to him a lot about how we don't need to be perfect, no one is. Baptism is just the first step in following Christ. But Victor still said he didn't want to be baptized Saturday, but he would still come to the Oakland temple visitors center with us Sat. morning. Also, E. Alvarez challenged him to pray about it. So E. Alvarez calls him later that night, and asked him how he felt. Victor said he wasn't going to the temple, but he would see us at his baptism. So we're super confused. So all four of us fasted all day Saturday, and Victor comes to the baptism at 6 for Teresa (the other sister's bap). He tells us he wants to talk with the bishop. So he talks to the bishop, and then we all talk and Bishop tells us he's not ready, he feels pressured, and Hna. Kofford and I are bawling, because we felt if he didn't get baptized Saturday, he would loose his chance. Also, we felt like crappy missionaries because we made him feel pressured. But Victor still said no. So he went down and sat in the other baptism, while we talked to the bishop. He told us we were doing great, and not to worry, things would work out. So we felt a little better, but still super sad. So we go make copies of a program just for Isac, when in walk two of our ward members Mariela (bishop's daughter) who is 19 and Sandy, who is 18. They told us Victor was putting on a jumpsuit. WHAT? So it turns out they talked to him, and shared their testimonies and he changed his mind! So, Victor and Isac got baptized. It was a MIRACLE! I know fasting works... if we hadn't been fasting I don't think he would've gotten baptized that night. Maybe ever. But fasting and prayer works, and I know the Lord has his ways. He knows his children way better than we ever could. So when things get tough, just remember to trust in the Lord, and everything will work out. Maybe not alwasy in the way we were planning, but they will work. I love this gospel, I love my Savior Jesus Christ, and my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to teach others about his gospel. Heavenly Father loves all His children so much, more than we can imagine. And it's hard to remember that sometimes. But when we turn to Him in prayer, and bring ourselves closer to Him, we will feel his love, and his protection all around us.

I love you guys. I hope you have a fantastic week.

Love,

Hermana Bingham

Jason (their car) after he died

Hna. Kofford and I with an awesome view

At the beach!

Temple with Isac (baptism), and is older sister Jackie (less active member)

BAPTISM!!! Elder Alvarez, Victor, Hna. Kofford and I,  and Isac

I found Austin at the store :)

No Time...

Email #3 (the real one):

Hello family!!

First off, I want to apologize for this taking so long to get to you. Monday we had ZERO time to email because President Watkins took us to the beach! Which was super awesome. We just sat on the beach all day (which is like a 45ish minute drive from where I'm at) and I wrote letters to Charlie and Brooke, and took a nap. We played around a little too, and it was super fun just to hang out with a bunch of missionaries. Some that I knew, some that I didn't. But it was just a good day. Elder Philpott from my MTC district was there too, so it was fun to see how he's doing out here. So it was a super fun day, and I got fried... haha I forgot to wear sunscreen. Whoops! We of course aren't allowed to go swimming or anything, but we can go play in the sand if we have permission from Pres. And he took us, so we of course had permission. It was a great day, but by the time we got back we had no time to email, and then yesterday was crazy, so today we finally had like a half an hour. So here I am. Sorry, this email will be short!!!

So exciting news of the week: I'm having my first two baptisms on Saturday! One is an older man named Victor. He's 55 and he has been super accepting of everything. So we've been getting him ready for baptism, and it's happening on Saturday!! The other is Isaac. He's 9 years old, and is getting baptized. His mom and all of his siblings are members, but he hasn't been baptized yet. So here's the story. Juanita (the mom) has like, a bagazillion kids. They are super poor and live in this little dump. And the kids are INSANE!!! Like, they are nuts. Way more crazy than normal kids. So it's always been really hard for her to get them to church, and honestly, she's a memeber but doesn't know much about the gospel. She takes them to the baptist church, because they pick them up for church on a bus, and give them pizza and take them to Chuck E. Cheese after. How can we compete with that right? It's easier for her to take the kids there. They like it more. But she still wants them to be baptized into our church. So the sisters have been working with Isaac for forever, and he's never wanted to be baptized. But finally the other day, he said he does! So, his baptism is on Saturday, and they're going to come to church with us now. Kind of a miracle if you ask me!

I love you all, sorry this email is like, super short. I just have like, no time. Seriously. But next week it will be a good one, with pictures from the baptism and everything. Love you all! Have fun at school and work and home and CTR. I love you!!!

-Hermana Bingham

Email #2:

so, we have like, no time to email today. It's super duper lame. I am SOOOOOOOOOO sorry. So hopefully we will have time to email you tomorrow... I hate that I can't email you. I haven't even had time to read yours. So I'm PRAYING for tomorrow. I love you!!!

Hna. Bingham

Email #1:

So sorry I haven't emailed before now. President took us to the beach yesterday and we got back too late to email. And I would email now, but we have an appointment at 1 who always gets there early, so we don't have time. So, I will write you after that. Sorry it's taken so long! I love you guys! Talk to you later!

Miracles

I can't believe that school is starting! Like, what the heck!! That's crazy! Bryce is a senior, Jayson is in high school, and Kyla's in Jr. High. And I'm out here, saving souls. What the heck? When did we all get so old? I don't know. But it's crazy. I feel like an old woman out here. Also I'm driving a Buick, so that doesn't help. I have a crazy story for all of ya'll. But first off, I want to say MOM I'M FINE SO WHAT I'M TELLING YOU NEXT YOU DO NOT NEED TO WORRY ABOUT! So last week on Monday night we were visiting a less active lady, Hna. Nunez. We had been trying to leave because it was past 9 so we needed to get home, but she kept talking. Mexicans love to talk. It's the truth. They tell you EVERYTHING!! So we finally got to pray with her, and we were headed out the door, when she said one more thing. She told us one more tiny little story or something, I don't even remember. But in the process of this, we hear this loud squeal, and then a crash. Immediately Hna. Nunez's daughter says, "That wasn't your car was it?" We were parked on this road that has a little turn, and we we pretty far away from the turn in the road, and there were cars behind us on this road, so we thought it couldn't be ours. We walk out into the street and there is this car in the middle of the road, bumper had fallen off, and it was smashed. Parked right next to whose car? Ours. This car (according to witnesses that actually saw it happen) had gone around this little turn at about 60-65 mph, lost control, spun and then smashed our car on the drivers side back door. It pushed our car into the curb, breaking the axel, and yeah, basically it's totalled. So we had to get this guys info and all this fun stuff and call the other hnas in our district to get them to give us a ride... it was kind of intense. Wanna know the cool part though? I know that the Lord is truly watching out for his servents. Because Hna. Kofford always drives, and she puts her purse in the back seat before. So IF we would've left Hna. Nunez's house after we prayed like we were trying to, she would've been smashed by the crazy driver, and I probably would've been on the other side, in the gutter and probably would've killed my legs. We were super blessed. It was crazy! The Lord is really protecting his servents that's for sure. It was a miracle. Because Hna. Nunez said 1 more thing, we were protected. And then we thought we'd just go into our bike share early, but President had just bought an old Buick just in case someone needed it. So we are driving around in a Buick. It is AWESOME!!! We love it!

Other miracle of the week! So a few weeks back Hna. Kofford had been trying to contact formers, and only two people answered. One was definitely not interested, and the other was this lady named Rosa. She told Hna. Kofford that she had lots of stuff to tell us, so we should come by and see her. Well we have been trying to get ahold of her to set up an appointment for forever, and we couldn't get ahold of her. So we just decided to go to her house. We knocked on her door, and we saw someone come up and lock the door. But we didn't give up. We waited and waited, and knocked again, and just when we were walking away, she opened the door. Well, we ended up talking to her for a long time, and she was crying and telling us all these hard things that have been happening in her life, and we had an awesome lesson about the Holy Ghost with her and how he is a comforter and a guide through hard things. We told her we can recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost after baptism, and she was like, "I need that in my life." What? crazy right? And super awesome. She accepted an invitation to be baptized, but wants to know more before we pick a date. So, we're going to try to get in contact with her this week and teach her more and pick a date for her baptism. She's super great. It was one of those lessons you just walk away from feeling great. It's the best feeling in the world.

We've seen so many miracles every day out here. Being able to find people, getting lessons, and so many things. I love it. This Friday Hna. Kofford and I are working with Habitat for Hummanity putting in a sprinkler system for some home or homes. Not sure. But I have a feeling this will be a good service opportunity, and a good way to get in some good contacts and lessons. I'm super pumped. We'll be there for like, 8 hours. YAY!

Adrienne Clark is going on a misison? YAY! Good for her! You'll have to tell her to let me know when she gets her call. I'm super excited for her! This is the best thing EVER! Missionary work is the greatest, and sometimes it is hard, but it's totally worth it. The happiness we help bring to people's lives is incredible. I love it.

Also, I heard the new temple movie is awesome. A lady in my MTC branch presidency (well, her husband was in the presidency) told me about it and said how awesome it was. So apparently she saw it quite a few weeks ago. Who knows how. But she said it portrays everything better so I'm super excited to see it. In our mission President said we get to go to the Oakland temple every 6 months I think. So I'm super excited. We can also go if and Investie we helped baptized goes to recieve their endowments. Cool right? So maybe someday I'll get to go with someone I taught!

About the letters, My companion has all hers sent there and it's fine. Because we're there like every day so we can get it. I think if I was in a further area it would be a pain in the rear for them to forward it all, but where I'm here and can just pick it up I'm 99.999999% postitive it's fine.

I love you all, I hope you have a fantastic week at school and all that good stuff! LOVE YOU!!!

Hermana Amaya Bingham

p.s. apparently Bingham is a really weird name. Mexicans can't say it. They find it weirder than Kofford. Don't ask why, I don't know. It's funny though. :) Also there is an Amaya family in my ward. I haven't met them yet, but when I do I'll have to tell them how their last name is my first name. Crazy stuff. Love you guys!

I'm in Freakin California!

HELLO FAMILY!

I'm in freakin California! Craziness right? And I LOVE it! Mom, I am allowed to read letters any day of the week, but this works too. I have an hour to email, and that's plenty of time to read emails from people and write back. So we're good. My bedding was there waiting, so thanks so much for sending that. I love having my quilt with me. It's like having a piece of home right here in San Jose. And I am going to need a bike. I think. Here's the deal. right now we have a car, and the other sisters in our zone have one too. But one of our cars is getting pulled, so there will be one car for the 5 of us (the other sisters are in a tripanionship). So we will need three bikes total so that we can take turns with the car and the bikes, but I'm thinking that the other sister will be buying since there are three of them, but if I do end up needing to buy one, I'll just use my card and then you and dad can decide what you want to do about that. But I'll let you know if I need one.

So right now I'm in the Yerba Buena area, which is basically the best area ever. We are in the area that covers the mission office (which address you have) so you can continue sending letters there for now, because we are there all the time so I can pick up mail whenever. We hardly ever check our own mailbox, and honestly, I don't even know my address. So if you choose to send mail mail, send it to the office. It works best. :) So my companion is Hna. Kofford. She's from Idaho, and she's 20 and basically awesome. We get along super well. She's hilarious and I love working with her. She's a great trainer, and I love her. It's a little weird being without Hna. Raney, but she's in a zone super close to mine, so I actually saw her the other day. So in our zone, we have a goal for this transfer. That goal is to get 21 baptisms, which is about 20 more than we usually get in one transfer. And our neighboring zone is doing the same goal, which means in our stake (both zones cover the same stake) we will have a total of 42 baptisms by the end of this transfer. So to help us acheive our goal, we get 21 contacts every day, 5 new investigators every week, 5 baptisimal invite every week, and we fast every Sunday and do all this awesome stuff. It's hard, but it works. We got 5 new investigators in 2 days last week, and 5 baptisimal invites. CRAZY STORY TIME! So it was 9ish last night after our zone meeting, and we were heading home. We only had 4 baptisimal invites, and needed one more, and 2 more contacts for the day. So I jokingly said, I just really want a car to pull up at this light with two people in it so I can give them a card and invite them to baptism. And IMMEDIATELY a car pulls up with two people in it. So I rolled down my window (their's was down) passed them a picture of Christ, told them who I was, and asked if they would like to learn more. They said maybe, so then I continue onto say that as they learn more about our church and come to know that it's true, would they "follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God?" And they said yes. We didn't have time to get a number, but they have ours. We probably won't hear from them, but I was able to get the invite and we reached our goal. Not in the way we would've preffered, but we reached it. But this whole 21 thing is going to work. I've been here for 5ish days now, and I've already been to 5 baptisms. None of them are our investigators, but they're all in our district (and our ward). And our zone had a total of 8 this weekend I think. It's crazy. The Lord is definitely blessing us with a miracle.

So basically, I love it here. There are tons of Mexicans and they feed us yummy food, and basically every night. I have been told I'm going to gain weight, and I believe it. They feed you so stinkin much! But it's awesome! It's delicious. I've had pupulsas twice now (they are a El Salvador food, and delicious). They are  basically a little tortilla kind of think, but the meat and stuff is inside, and they are small, but then on top you put this cabbage stuff and hot sauce. It's yummy. Maybe Sister Finkenthal knows how to make them. You could ask. And last night we had beens and rice and this super delicious beef and homemade tortillas with another family in the ward. It's awesome, but when I come back 8 billion pounds, don't be surprised. Just kidding, I'm going to try to not gain weight. I don't want to buy new clothes! And I think the bikes will help with that.

This week was super awesome. We had some good solid lessons with some of our investigators, and some good solid finds. The other day we just happend to bump into this little Mexican lady on the street that we said hi too, and she just started crying. She's had a rough time over the past three weeks, and she just needs to be happy. She's all alone. So we're going to get in touch with her this week and go help her. She's so tender and cute. We've also had some rough experiences though. We're teaching this lady named Magdelena. We had this super awesome lesson with her, like, she was basically punched in the face with the spirit, and then we asked her about baptism (again) and she just said, "I don't know... maybe" we can't get her to commit. And apparently this happens every time. They can tell she feels the spirit, but she won't commit to baptism. And Victor. He's like golden. He understands everything, and loves church and the gospel, he says it makes him happy, but he doesn't want to talk about baptism dates because his life is already super crazy right now (he's a single dad with a hard job and he has to sell a bunch of his Father's land in Mexico) so he wont' commit to a date either. It's a little sad because we can see that they're both ready, but they just won't commit. But I can definitely see the Lord's hand in everything we do, and I know that if we have faith, He'll help us out with everything. I love this gospel, and I know it brings us true happiness. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to be out here, helping others find their way back home. I love it, and I'm excited for this upcoming week. I love you all, have an awesome week!!

Love,

Hermana Amaya Bingham