Monday, December 28, 2015

Mon, Dec 28, 2015 Much Joy and Many Smiles



MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! 
OUR SKYPE WITH EMILY WAS SO AWESOME!! 
BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER!!








Polanco & Hoth "the CHUBS"



Beans and platanos for days. One of the Chubs new nicknames is beans


As we walked to this house I said to sis. polanco..."voy a Narnia"....she DIED laughing so we had to take a picture



MY BABIES


Dear family and friends,
MERRY CHRISTMAS! And Happy New Year!!!:) I hope that each of you had such a spiritual Christmas and so much joy and many smiles. I know I did. It was such a privilege and a blessing to be on my mission, serving the Lord at this Christmas time! Christmas was different here in Vancouver. Vancouver changed for Christmas. Instead of hundreds of cars passing every minute..there were few people out on the streets. Hermana Polanco and I took special note of that because that meant that everyone was home with their families...finally. Instead of gray and rainy, the sun was shining and the radiant blue skies finally filled the heavens!

SERIOUSLY THE SKY HERE!




Christmas Eve Dinner with Del Castillo family


Hermana Hoth & Hermana Polanco with Del Castillo fam

Christmas!

Christmas...the members love us :)


Los Ninos...love the Ramirez kids

We had a full day of service and finding on Christmas. It was amazing to talk to people and share my Savior with them on this special day. There was a feeling of love and peace in the air. To be honest, I don't think I have ever had a Christmas quite like this one..and never will again. It was so special to be a representative of Jesus Christ...to do what He did with His life...minister, serve, and teach! He gave us His everything...and so I feel so blessed to be able to use this time to give Him my everything!

One of my favorite things that I've realized this Christmas is that Christmas isn't just the best time to think of our Savior...but our whole lives is the best time to think of the Savior. We have this whole life to learn of Him, become like Him, gain testimonies, and live according to those testimonies. This is our time to become perfected in Christ. I love that God sent His Son so we don't have to be perfect, but that through Him we can one day be perfect. This sacred time on my mission, I have felt so close to God. I have felt His love in great abundance.

This talk by Elder Christofferson has made such a difference in my life. I hope all of you will be able to apply it!

"Some years ago I heard a radio interview featuring Bishop Desmond Tutu, the Anglican archbishop in South Africa. He had just published a book with his daughter about the reconciliation that had taken place in South Africa following apartheid. Basically the book’s message is that there is good in all people. During the interview the host 
asked a perceptive, inspired question of Bishop Tutu: “Have you found that your  relationship to God has changed as you’ve grown older?” Bishop Tutu paused and  then said, “Yes. I am learning to shut up more in the presence of God.” He recalled  that when he prayed in his earlier years, he did so with a list of requests and  solicitudes. He would approach heaven with what he called “a kind of shopping list. But now, he said, “I think [I am] trying to grow in just being there. Like when you sit in front of afire in winter, you are just there in front of the fire, and you don’t have to be smart or anything. The fire warms you.”

I think that is a lovely metaphor—just sit with the Lord and let Him warm you like a fire in winter. You don’t have to be perfect or the greatest person who ever graced the earth or the best of anything to be with Him."I love this! I want to share two of the Christmas miracles we saw this week..one I was able to share with my sweet family on Christmas!
1- We got on the bus Christmas day to make our way to the Sky train. I sat myself next to a girl who was sitting alone on the bus and asked her how she was. She immediately burst into tears. I comforted her and asked her what was wrong. She had no idea...she just felt completely sad and discouraged. I asked if I could say a prayer with her and she gladly agreed. That moment was so special for me as I prayed for Briana, even though she doesn't believe much in God, I know she felt His love and comfort that sunny Christmas day. When we got off the bus she gave me a huge hug and ran to grab another bus. I will always remember that moment and I pray that down the road she will too. I hope she remembers that she can turn to God and that she will pray to Him.
2- It was Christmas Eve and we felt so prompted to go to Holly street. So Hermana Polanco and I make our way over to Burnaby and start knocking doors. As we start, it just doesn't feel right. So we walk back the way we came remembering a house that we passed. On our way back, we felt prompted to go down a different street and knock on doors. We choose one house and just as Sister Polanco was knocking I said to her, "Sister, there is a latino family here." The door opens and we meet Kevin and Maria. They are from Honduras and invite us in to share a Christmas message. Maria's daughter walks out and I was like "HEY! I know you!!!!!" Her name is Mariela and one of my first exchanges in my mission I taught her with Sister Lewis and Williamson. Since then, she had moved with her two daughters in with her mom and brother, Kevin. It was such a testimony to me that God knows exactly where all of His children are. It was such a blessing to me that on Christmas Eve we were able to find a miracle as we followed the Spirit! We will be going back this week to teach them!!:):)

Canada Hats

Canada


CHRISTMAS
modeling the hats

The members here have been such angels. We have felt so loved and so blessed to serve them and be served by them!! They fed us and gave us so many presents...and the best of all they have loved us so much! I am grateful for all of you and for your prayers and love. I pray that you will all be able to look back at this year with joy in your hearts. I pray that you will be able to start this new year with a greater desire to serve and follow God. I know God lives and that His love is always there. I know that we can talk to our Father in Heaven through prayer! Please pray to Him! He wants to speak with you!                                      Love,   Hermana Hoth

Edwin and Hermana Flores

With Narda! Haha...Narda Flores seriously loves me! She is obsessed with "Hot". Haha. She was less active when I got here..and now (I think a lot of it has to do because of our friendship) she is completely active!

Hermana Hoth & Hermana Polanco

We got off the bus and they were handing out free chocolate at UBC. YESSSS!!

The little chubs after talking with the fam "I think I'm homesick"




Little Turkey

for harrison

for katie


At Nordstroms. aw yeah

SASSY

Always so windy and rainy




YAY!







Monday, December 21, 2015

Mon, Dec 21, 2015 A Christmas Testimony...A testimony of Christ!

Merry Christmas!



Just over 2,000 years ago, a Savior was born. He is the greatest gift ever given. Our Father loves us so much that He gave us this gift (John 3:16). It is a gift of love, of peace, of joy, of eternal life. Family and friends...my heart is so full as I have this opportunity to testify of my Savior and friend, Jesus Christ. I want all of you to take time...to make time...to think of our Savior Jesus Christ this Christmas season. He is the greatest gift we have ever received. It has been an honor for me to give the gift of Christ this year. That gift that was given to us so long ago...we are still giving it today. Everyday, I have the opportunity to introduce people, our brothers and sisters, to Jesus Christ. I get to testify of His birth, His life, His Atonement. I have the opportunity to give hope and peace in a world that seems to only offer sadness and confusion. I have the opportunity to give God's love. I have the chance to ask people, "Did you know that 2000 years ago, a Savior was born for you." For me? How? Why? This is truly the best Christmas I have ever had and probably will ever have because I get to give THE GIFT. It is my prayer that each one of you will not just spare of few minutes to think of Him or to read the Christmas story...but to make it all about it. We are celebrating the birth of our King! For this season...don't think about yourself...your life...your school...work. But, think of Him. Think of Him who gave everything for YOU. I promise that as you do this, you will be filled with love and light. You will be filled with gratitude. God has given us so much. Absolutely everything. May we give this time to Him.
Something that I have loved so much this Christmas season is reading 3 Nephi 11 with the families and less active members in the ward here. It is so powerful to read of our Savior and feel of His perfect love. I have learned so much from reading this chapter! I know that Christ ministers to us individually. He loves us individually. I pray that each of you will have the opportunity to read this chapter and reflect on what it means for you!!!
Last of all...I am so excited because this morning I finished The Book of Mormon for the first time while being on my mission. It has been so special to me. I would love to share my testimony! I testify with all my heart, soul, and mind that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It is true, I have asked sincerely and humbly this day and now the Spirit is burning in my soul. It is true. It has comforted and healed me, especially as I have labored among God's children in Canada. It has testified boldly to me of God's ways and His love. It has brought the Spirit to the lessons I have taught and learned. I know Jesus Christ. He is my friend, my Savior, my Redeemer...and OH! He is wonderful! He ministers to me individually and loves and prayers for me individually. I know I am a part of His church. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet of God; he restored Christ's church through the power of God. God lives and is loving. So loving that He sent His only Begotten Son so all might live. I feel the Spirit burning in me that this is true. This is my witness and testimony that it is true. I cannot deny it. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Love,
Hermana Hoth



Monday, December 14, 2015

Mon, Dec 14, 2015 A time of laughter. A time for cheer.

Hola,
This has definitely been a week to remember...Sister Polanco and I have had so much fun together. The work is so incredibly hard..especially since we are finding literally all day long. Most the time in the pouring rain...but we have fun. I am grateful to have such a positive, little companion. We are always laughing.
Sister Yang, Hermana Hoth, Hermana Polanco
It has been great to have Sister Huszti in Vancouver. When we saw her the first time, she kept telling me my voice has changed so much. Haha...we figured it out. It's not that I'm getting older...it's because I have been speaking Spanish for 8 weeks straight! YEAH! Finally, I have a latino accent. That made me pretty happy!!:)
This week, we were able to meet with Heidi and Alejandro. They were our Christmas miracle that we found the night of the Christmas concert. They are the sweetest people I have ever met. They already have so many connections with the church and so we are hoping they just love it and embrace it. Please pray for them!
So days here in Vancouver...are usually rainy...and filled with crazy stories. Haha...but we have never had a day like we did this week. One crazy thing after another. Let me share them with you...
1. we were crossing a street and I asked a lady how she was doing. She said, "Great, I'm going to feed my snakes." As she says this, she pulls out a little plastic bag with something brown in it. We take a closer look and it's two little mice it a bag. She was like, "Don't worry they're frozen." Um...ok. 
2. We walk by a little old lady sitting on a bench. I smile and say hi to her and she yells some awful words to me. Who knew little old ladies could be so pleasant. 
3. We stopped to talk to this women and for no reason she just started giving us hugs. Hmm, this was extremely weird.  
So yeah...all of these uncomfortable moment happened on the same street within like 10 minutes of each other. Needless to say, we left that place as fast as our little legs would carry us. It has definitely been an interesting week here in Vancouver. We are hoping to find some investigators soon! 

So one of my favorite Christmas miracles this week happened yesterday at church. Haha, so last week I was talking to Hermana Robles at church how much I loved her food when she cooked for us. My favorite food is sopes, they are little tortillas. She said that she would teach me how to make them sometime. Haha well this Sunday, she came up to me and said sorry for not bringing Sopes to church, but that she will for sure bring them next Sunday. I guess I didn't understand completely our conversation the first time...but next Sunday I am getting sopes...I'm pretty excited. :)
I hope that all of you are enjoying this Christmas season and remembering the reason why we celebrate this time of year. I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that He is our Savior..that no matter how hard life is...or how long we have to stand out in the rain talking to a million people...He is there for us. His love is real. I know that as we have faith in Him, we receive so many blessings. We can show our love for Him by obedience. I pray that we will all be able to show just how much the Savior means to us. I love you all and thank you so much for your support! Merry Christmas!
Love, Hermana Hoth

Monday, December 7, 2015

Mon Dec 7, 2015 One Thought of Jesus Christ.



Hey everyone,
I am so grateful for another week here in my mission! I am extremely grateful for the incredible Spirit I have been able to feel as I testify of Jesus Christ to the people of Vancouver. Christmas changes people...they seem to be a bit more open and cheerful. It's a special time of year as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. First, I want to share two of my favorite experiences I had this week as we were out finding. 

First, a few days ago, I met Frank. Frank is homeless and panhandles every Friday night just down the street from the church. I got talking to Frank, and we soon became good friends. He has such a great spirit about him and has an attitude of gratitude. I admire so much his desire to follow Jesus Christ and go to church every single Sunday. At the end of our conversation, I handed him one of our pass along cards with a picture of Jesus Christ on it. He received it with a huge smile on his face and said, "Thank you for the best Christmas present." That really touched my heart. The greatest gift we have ever received and will ever receive is the gift of our Savior. "For God so loved the world (YOU), that He sent His only Begotten-Son." It is my prayer this Christmas, that all of us will be able to look beyond the lights, the presents, the food, and ponder in our hearts and minds the extraordinary birth and life of our Savior. It is because of Him that we have this wonderful time of year with family, friends, and so much joy. Let's not just pause and think about Jesus Christ for one moment before unwrapping our presents. Let's give every thought and effort into Jesus Christ. Let's give Him a present this year. Let's give Him our hearts. What will you give Jesus Christ for Christmas?




Second, I had a quick experience with trying to talk to someone at a bus stop. Of course, he had headphones in, just staring at his phone. I tried forever to get his attention, but nothing would work. So I pulled out another card with a picture of Christ on it and put it over his phone. He finally looked up and took his head phones out. He was a little surprised, but gratefully took the picture. That moment was so simple...but had a lasting impression on me. For one moment, this man had one thought of Jesus Christ. For one second, he pulled away from the world and remembered our Savior and Redeemer. It reminded me of my favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon...Alma 36.   This is when Alma the younger is telling his son about how he used the Atonement. It says:
 17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
 18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
 19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
 20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
 21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.
Oh, how sweet our joy can be when we remember Him who "has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows" (Mosiah 14:4) I find this story miraculous because it was just one thought of Jesus Christ that changed everything for Alma. I pray that it will do the same for us!:)
This week, we were able to teach the Hermosillo family again. I don't think I've mentioned them before. They are actually our only investigators right now and they aren't even in our area. They met with the missionaries in Alberta then moved here and lost contact. The office finally received a message from the Alberta mission and gave us the referral. We had a 3rd lesson with them this last week over skype. This lesson was my favorite because we were able to do it in the home of members. Mario and Angela are so prepared and love the gospel so much! This lesson was so powerful..it's incredible that we can be miles away, but still learn and feel the Spirit together. Please pray for them!


Okay...seriously so good

 studies

There's the little chubs




So transfer news this week...looks like me and my little star, Hermana Polanco, are staying here in Vancouver. I am grateful to stay here and I am hoping that we continue to see so many miracles. I know we will be able to! Haha, all of the work we are doing right now is with the members and FINDING! Finding, finding, finding. Maybe the man on the computer next to me is interested in learning about the gospel.
Well, that is it for me this week! I love you all so much and truly am so grateful for your prayers and support! I hope you have a great Christmas season and remember the reason for the season. I know that God loves all of us so much. His love is so real. I know we can turn to Him for everything. Trust in Him and speak with Him daily. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I am so grateful for Him in my life!                                                                      Love, Hermana Hoth

Monday, November 30, 2015

Mon, Nov 30, 2015 Christmas Miracles.

Hello!!!

Let the Christmas miracles begin!:) Haha, Sister Polanco just barely figured out that the word "Christ" is in "Christmas". She was amazed. I'm so grateful for this time of year to remember our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. It is such a wonderful time to recognize the love of our Father in Heaven and the love of His Son. As we are entering into this Christmas season, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be here in Vancouver. To be here serving God's children. There is always such a special spirit that we feel at Christmas time; I hope that this spirit motivates all of us to go out and share the Gift...Jesus Christ!

Sister Polanco was sure thrilled to have a Christmas tree in the house. Thanks for the tree and sweater! Love you!


This week, it has been heartbreaking to not be able to contact Maria Fernanda. She didn't keep our last two appointments and won't answer any of our calls. The day that she didn't show up to her lesson, we went finding that night. As we were waiting for the bus...guess who we saw..Maria! We ran over to her and gave her a huge hug and walked her back to her house. It was such a miracle, and proof to Sister Polanco and me that God is doing everything He can to help Maria accept the gospel. He is doing everything He can, except take away her agency. We love her, and pray that one day she will accept the gospel!

So I have to tell you all about the Christmas miracles we had last night. Oh, Sundays are just so good and filled with the Spirit! It was the first normal church meeting that we've had in two weeks because of Stake conference and the Montreal temple re dedication. It was incredible to feel like we are part of a ward family again. Everyone was so loving and so welcoming to us, and we have lots of appointments this week with the members! It should be a fantastic week!

So...the first miracle. Yesterday night, one of the Vancouver wards puts on a Christmas musical every year to kick off the Christmas season. President Burt told Sister Polanco and me last week that we needed to have an investigator with us in order to go to this musical so we took that very seriously. We got bundled up to face the freezing, frosty Vancouver night and went down the road a ways from the church to invite EVERYONE to the musical. We were loving inviting everyone to come feel the Spirit of Christmas, but it seemed like everyone was just so busy. While I was talking to a lady, Sister Polanco leaves the conversation and starts talking with a mom and son. In her broken English, she invites them to attend the musical. They gladly agreed and said, "Yeah, we're feeling spontaneous tonight." Haha, so we walked with them over to the church...and guess what...they speak SPANISH! Haha...we couldn't believe it. The dad is from Spain and the mom was a teacher over in Spain for some time. Sister Polanco and I were grinning from ear to ear as we entered the chapel and took our seats next to our new friends. It turns out that Heidi, the mom, is a less active member of many years and even has a cousin on a mission! Alejandro, her son, was seriously the cutest thing ever and was so grateful to be there. They had to leave early and so we walked them out..before we knew it they were giving us huge hugs and saying "thank you for starting off our Christmas season so beautifully!" She handed us a piece of paper with her number and address and told us to come visit anytime! WHAT A MIRACLE!

Then...if that wasn't enough...God blessed us with such a tender mercy. The Surrey Spanish ward was there at the Christmas musical/devotional singing in the choir. I was so thrilled! And Sister Polanco visited this mission 2 years ago and met many of the members of Surrey so it was a great reunion for both of us. My heart was so filled with joy as I got to hug them and talk to them after! I can't stop smiling just thinking about it. Missions are so good. My family is so much bigger now. So many more people to love.

So let's talk about Sister Polanco for a bit...my parents want to know more...haha she is such a fireball. I seriously love her so much, and have learned so much from her desire to serve God and her strong testimony! Haha, this week, I was interviewing her just to make sure I knew like everything about her. SO...her favorite color is green...good! Mine too. Her favorite food is everything Latino...of course!:) She loves the movie "The Proposal" and cries everytime she watches it. She loves to DANCE...and always does a little happy dance when she eats food. She has been teaching me the Marenge and Salsa. She is from Halapa and has two younger siblings...a brother and sister! Sister Polanco is so sassy...but apparently I am too. At least that's what our sister training leaders say. Haha. She reminds me a lot of Harrison. Oh and she is disgusted by our lack of fresh fruit here in North America...haha.







Bubble tea with   Sisters Ealy, Unwin, Driscoll, Ditto, Hoth, Polanco

So...one of my favorite moments this week was the opportunity I had to give a training at district meeting. I have given so many trainings in my mission...but I always seem to be so nervous. I gave my training on Knowledge. It was a great experience to share my testimony of the Savior and how this last week, I was able to gain a stronger testimony of the Savior. I know with all of my heart that "All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ." (PMG) The Spirit was so strong as I prepared and gave this training. I'm grateful that the Lord works through small and simple things...like me...to carry on His great and eternal work.


Lombardo



Surrey friends



Garcia...little Ludwig is so big


Riquelme


My second mom! Moro


To finish this email...I want to invite all of you to watch the new Christmas video that the church just came out with. It is powerful and helps us remember the reason for the season. It's on christmas.mormon.org and is called A Savior is Born. It is the perfect way to get in the Christmas Spirit. I pray for all of you each day. I know that no matter what our trials, troubles, or afflictions may be we can trust in God. Everyday, we must choose to have faith over fear. I pray that we will trust in the Lord and turn to Him. The world is getting worse, and the faithful saints are getting better. Remember that there is opposition in all things and that the glorious light, life, and love of the gospel will never be taken away from us! We must stay in the path...we must keep our covenants, obey the commandments, partake of the sacrament, and constantly strengthen our testimonies everyday through scriptures, prayer, and service. The Lord asks for all of our  heart...and it's not really a sacrifice when you think of all He has done for us. I love you all so much!

Love, Hermana Hoth