Tue February 9, 2016 Another week on fire...

Dear family and friends,

It has been anther incredible week in Surrey. I love being with Sister Cendreda! We kind of started the week off rocky. Sister Cendreda had the flu so we stayed inside all day long after getting her a priesthood blessing. It was fine...I did lots of calls, planning, cleaning. I literally sanitized everything in the house. There is no way I am getting sick a 4th time in my mission. Haha.

Finally a sunny day!

But after that...we went out and worked so hard. Our latest update on Lenin is that he needs to get heart surgery. Poor Rita...we are feeling so sad for her. But if anything, it is helping us turn to God and have more faith and trust in His plan.

The relief society put together a baby shower for Rosa this week. It has been incredible for me to see how the ward is embracing Rosa and helping her progress in the gospel. I remember the first time Rosa and Raul came to a ward activity...Sister Johnson and I ran from member to member, making sure that everyone introduced themselves to them. Now they are friends with all of them. Seriously, this ward is so good. Her baby shower went really well and was so fun for all the hermanas to be together! I love going to Rosa and Raul's house and watching them prepare everything for their sweet baby girl. They are going to be such good parents and have the cutest eternal family!:) We had a powerful lesson with them on Sunday night. I was able to tell them how grateful I am that God has allowed me again to be a part of their lives and conversion. I truly feel so blessed. God is so good to me. We told them very boldly that God's plan for them is Rosa to be baptized and Raul to be an active member in the church. The Spirit was so strong in this lesson, especially as we sang Families can be together forever!

With Rosa & Jacqueline

So Colombia...wow, she is so solid. It has been such a long time since we have had a solid investigator. We have no way to get a hold of her so we just showed up at her house to set an appointment with her. She said that we can't meet in her house because she shares it with her cousin and they wouldn't like that. So she took two buses all the way to a gas station where we could meet her and then walk to a member's home where we could have the lesson. We had the lesson at the Rangel home, Hermano Rangel is our ward mission leader. We taught her about the Plan of Salvation. It was neat for me to come to the realization that the world has such a limited view of God's plan...all they see is the here and now and occasionally worry about going to heaven or hell. It was such a blessing to help her see the entire picture. I know it brought her a lot of peace because her mom just passed away a few months ago and her husband has Alzheimers. This lesson was a bit challenging for me because its been so long since I have taught the Plan of Salvation in Spanish. But if anything, I know she felt the Spirit as I told her about my sweet grandma who had Alzheimers. The plan of salvation is not something I just believe in, but something I know. I know my grandma still lives and I know that I will see her again. 

Cendreda, Hoth, little Emily

Cendreda, Jacky, Hoth, Moro

So remember Alejandra? She is the cute little old lady we would visit...she always sat in her big chair as we read the Book of Mormon and sang hymns to her. We went to visit her this last week, and it was so shocking to me to see her. She is so different...very ill and very frail. She just laid there as we sang hymns to her. Then for just a moment she had so much strength. She sat up and started singing families can be together forever with us. She is so special and I know God is watching out for her. 

This week, I have really found a love for repentance and receiving forgiveness. I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is not just for sinners, but for everyone. I think sometimes people think of repentance in a negative way, but for me I LOVE IT. I love having the opportunity to change every single day and account to God what I did with His time each day. I love reflecting on the question, "how did I use the Atonement today?". It feels so good to be filled with the Spirit and receive God's forgiveness, love, peace, and comfort. I pray that each of you will be able to remember our Savior Jesus Christ and use His Atonement. We have been seeing miracles here because of YOUR prayers and YOUR faith. So thank you thank you thank you. I pray that you will all receive stronger testimonies every single day. 

Love,

Hermana Hoth

Mon, Feb 1, 2016 1:32 pm A Colombian Miracle!

Dear family and friends,

Okay. So I love Surrey. I love Sister Cendreda. And I love working with all of these people that I already have so much love for. It is such a blessing to me to be here again in Surrey. We are on fire here. All this mall contacting and store contacting is super uncomfortable for me, but it is so effective. Who would have thought that we would get 5 new investigators this week from asking, "Do you know where a Mexican Restaurant is?" Haha. 

Hermana Cendreda & Hermana Hoth (Lots & Lots of RAIN in Surrey)

Okay...so update on Rosa and Raul. We have had some amazing lessons with them this week. Rosa is really searching her real intent and seeing if she even wants to be baptized. We are working hard with her and we can see how much she is progressing. We are also working with Raul to get the priesthood. I can just picture this sweet family going to the temple in a year or two. They are so special. Rosa is so close to having her baby...she is so nervous. Haha, she was showing us all of the cute baby clothes they have gotten for her. 

Surrey District Elders Kirkham, Salazar, Neal, Gurr, Ast, Eschrik, Cendreda, Hoth, Yonk, Hemenway

We weren't able to see Rita this week because Lenin is in the hospital and not doing well at all. Please keep them in your prayers. Rita sure has had a hard time, and I just pray that all of these trials will create a way for her to come close to God. For me, it has been my hard time and struggles that lead me to God and allow me to strengthen my relationship with Him. I sure hope it is the same with her.

Jacky and Cendreda

Okay...so about my Colombian miracle. So to start this story, I have to tell you about a story from nine months ago when I was a brand new missionary in Surrey. Hermana Johnson and I worked so hard here. We went out and found every single day. I know the Lord always blesses us for our hard work. One day we were visiting Hermana Saenz...and in the end of our visit she told us that one of her nonmember friends needed something from her. So Sister Saenz being the amazing missionary she is sent the thing over with Sister Johnson and me. Her friend's name was Colombia is from Colombia. We talked to her and had a great discussion with her. But before we could teach her again, she went out of town and with time Sister Johnson and I were moved/went home. Well a week ago, Hermana Saenz, not knowing that I had been transferred back called us and told us about her friend Colombia and how she was so interested in taking the lessons. Apparently she had been back ever since September, but they had both "waited" until I was back in the area. I couldn't believe this miracle. so every since this phone call, I have been praying so hard for Colombia. She wasn't able to come to church because she slept in, BUT we were able to have a lesson with her at Sister Saenz's house last night. It was such a sweet reunion..she remembered me and Sister Johnson so well and is hoping to be in contact with her soon. She told me that she thought she would never see me again. We taught her the Restoration and the Spirit was so powerful. Sister Cendreda asked such an inspired question about "the need for a Restoration" and Colombia gave such a powerful answer. Something that i have realized on my mission is the difference between a lesson with someone who is prepared and someone who is not. With someone who is prepared, it seems like the Spirit multiplies every second. I know that the Spirit is always there when we teach, but it can only go UNTO their hearts and not INTO unless they allow it. Colombia definitely is prepared and allowed every word to sink deeply into her heart. It was such a powerful experience for all who were there. I loved reciting Joseph Smith's first vision. It is probably one of the greatest blessings I have seen in my mission. Why? Because it always allows the Spirit to be there. I would love all of you to feel the Spirit that I felt as I told this miraculous experience and manifestation of God's love. So go read it...go memorize. Say it often and remember that you have a loving Heavenly Father that knows you by name. My eyes filled with tears as I looked at sweet Colombia and shared the words of the experience that changed the world. That has changed my life. Sister Saenz, Sister Cendreda, and I all shared how we know this is true. Colombia expressed her desires to know the truth of it. Something that she noticed from the beginning is that we pray different...we don't say memorized prayers...which is really different from the Catholic faith. She told us that she would say memorized prayers, but then there would be a moment where she just had to cry out to God...and that's when she felt something "weird"...that's when she felt the Spirit. She told us that she believes one of the reasons why she moved to Canada is to learn about the gospel. We invited her to baptism and she said yes...she also understands how serious that is and how special it is. This is such a miracle. God is so real and is so good. Another neat experience for me was in the middle of the lesson. I am so filled with gratitude. As we shared the gospel with Colombia and as we watched her accept it all and even love it all, all the feelings of disappointment, fear, stress, discouragement that I have felt since Vancouver completely vanished. we gets rejected every day for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we get doors slammed in our face, we get means words thrown at us, we get a wide variety of things, but none of that mattered when we taught Colombia. She was worth it. And so all of you who may be struggling with hard times or those of you on missions, I know that God makes everything right. He is a loving Father. He makes every trial, pain, heartache, struggle worth it. He makes it all worth it. 

Cendreda, Sister Saenz, Colombia, Hoth

I love God and I love Jesus Christ so much. I truly have gained a stronger relationship with them while being on my mission. I am grateful to serve them. I know we have a prophet on the earth today who speaks directly to them. President Thomas S. Monson has told us to be a light and example to the world. It is my prayer that we all remember who we are, cherish and live the truths we have, and shine for all those around to see. 

Love Hermana Hoth

Love you! ~~missing Hermana Polanco~~ (a pic sent to Hermana Hoth from Hermana Polanco)

Mon, Jan 25, 2016 Bienvenida a Su Casa

                                                           Hey everyone!

Goodbye chubs

I am back in Surrey now! On Monday, I packed all of my things together and then on Tuesday Sister Polanco and I drove to the mission office to switch companions. It was so sad to say goodbye to Sister Polanco because we had grown so close together and had really learned how to rely on each other and the Lord. It is sad to leave Vancouver, but so joyful for me to go back to my first area, SURREY! I love my new companion, Hermana Cendreda! She was called to English work but this last transfer her dream finally came true. She was put in Spanish work in Surrey with Sister Kartchner. Sister Cendreda is from the Philippines, then moved to Quebec, and then later to Mexico. So she speaks 5 languages...english, spanish, french, tagalog, and another language from the Philippines. She is so fun! She only has two more transfers left so I bet I will be the one who gets to see her off! She is a convert to the church of 3 years. It has been so fun visiting the members this week with her because I know the members really well here in Surrey and she knew a lot of the members here when she lived in Quebec. A lot of the members have moved here since then. So it's like we have a big family here. Sister Cendreda and I are literally always laughing. 

The Hermanas!!! (Kartchner, Polanco, Cendreda, Hoth)

My little chubs with Sister Wright in the back

Sticky notes on a less active door. She loves us

Comp unity~matching: with the Guevaras

Haha...do you recognize this puppy (from first time serving in Surrey)

Haha, to start every conversation off she always asks "do you know where a Mexican restaurant is?" And then goes off about how she's new here from Mexico and serving a mission here. At first, I was like...okay that's pretty ridiculous. but actually it is so effective! The people take time to slow down and talk with us. They realize that we are normal people and then we both open up and talk about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. We have found lots of success from this so far. It is so good to be back in Surrey. We are on fire here.

Rosa and Raul!

It has been such a blessing to come back here and see how Rosa, Raul, and Rita have progressed and changed. I love it because these are the people Sister Johnson and I were teaching and now I get to be a part of their lives again. I feel so incredibly blessed. We have had two lesson with Rosa and she is the sweetest thing ever. The sisters have taught her everything and she wants to be baptized in time. Right now she is pregnant and has a due date at the end of February. She told me that she wants to name her Emily. Haha...I love it...I'm definitely going to tell everyone that she is naming her after me!:):) We visited Rita...and well...that is a completely different story. Lenin isn't doing so well and I wasn't able to see Him. Rita looks older and more stressed out. There was a robbery in her little Cafe and so she closed it down and is still struggling with all that happened there. She has desires to be baptized but we can't quite figure out what is holding her back! Please pray for her!

Pasquier family

While I was gone, the Sister found the Gomez family. Jackelyn, the mom, and Jeremy, the oldest were baptized. They are so sweet and miss Sister Kartchner, their missionary, so much but welcomed me with open arms. I feel so much love for this sweet family. They came to church yesterday and we were able to watch Jeremy receive the priesthood. It was so powerful and the Spirit was so strong. Jackelyn is a single mother and has four kids: Jeremy, Kelly, Orlando, and Jamie. The two little twin boys are the cutest things ever! And Kelly sat with me during all the meetings yesterday. i seriously love this family so much! I'm grateful that I can be a part of their story and conversion as they progress as recent converts!:):)

;0 Sister Wright!

I love sister Jeppson and Sister Grant

Ludwig and Isabella. So cute

So last night we had a fireside with President Burt and Sister Burt and their whole family. They each gave a talk. The Burt family is so powerful, I love them so much. I learned so much about love and really loving my companion and loving those I teach and serve. I learned that if we have charity for those around us, we can be powerful teachers. I also felt so strongly that my life and mission have been so hard, but that is how I know that Heavenly Father loves me. I'm grateful that He has given me so many experiences to help me learn, grow, stretch, and put myself outside of my comfort zone. He has molded and shaped me here in the Canada Vancouver mission and I feel so blessed. I know that God's plan is perfect and that it's also hard. President said, "if it's easy, the plan is not working." Family and friends, I know that life is hard. I also know that it is not only possible but fulfilling when we live the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love my Savior and love serving Him and testifying and teaching of Him. I know that as we follow Him and do what God has commanded us to do...we will be happy...we will have eternal life. (2 Nephi 31:20) I know that Heavenly Father loves us and that's why He gives us trials. He wants us to become better...He wants us to become like Him. I pray that you all have an incredible week!

Love,

Hermana Hoth

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hey parents...I wanted to send you Sister Cobbs letter because Michael and his family, Lori and Glenn, and Christine are all people that I found and taught. I didn't find Christine but taught her. My mission has definitely been one of planting seeds and then others have the chance of harvesting them. 

Happy New Year! 2016 is going to be a beautiful year; I already know it! 

There were many miracles this week!

• Michael and his family set baptismal dates!! Their whole family will be baptized February 27th. After a beautiful lesson studying 3 Nephi 11, we asked, "Why is it important to have power to baptize?" and Michael literally turned to his children and taught the restoration. It was incredible. All the children downloaded the Gospel Library app on their phones and read the scriptures with us. Michael's family gave me a cute pink mug, candy, and family Christmas card for Christmas. I love them! 
• Last night we went to a cute family's home in our ward for dinner. There were about 15 people (less-actives, investigators, etc.) over. We taught a massive lesson on the Doctrine of Christ, and it was SO fun teaching such a big group. Everyone was very attentive and interactive. At the end, we did a little quiz, and everyone knew the answers (even the little kids); it was so rewarding and fun! 
• We went on exchanges this week, and when we arrived home, the first thing we said when we walked into the apartment was, "It smells like gas." We looked around and didn't see any signs of the source. We found the carbon monoxide alarm and pushed the test button. If it beeps once, it says to check the manual. If it beeps four times, it says to seek fresh air immediately and call 911. The alarm beeped four times! Sister Jeppson and I looked at each other and screamed!! We frantically ran around the apartment grabbing our essential items and raced to the door. We called our landlord who checked it out and said some old tenets used to have hockey gear that smelled like gas. We thought, "Okay....Why did the alarm go off?" He opened all the windows and told us to take a coffee break. We slept over at the sister's apartment in Victoria, and the next day a gas inspector fixed everything. It was quite an adventure! 
• Christine quit smoking this week to prepare for baptism this month!! She is also preparing to do baptisms for the dead next month. She is diligent, and says she treasures her testimony and the sweetness of the Gospel, because she's "tasted the bitter." 
• Yesterday, we picked up Michael's kids to take them to church. Only the teenage daughter answered the door ready to go. I asked, "Where is Isaiah?" She said, "He's upstairs. He's not coming." I said, "What?! Will you go get him for me?" He came to the door, and I said, "Hey Isaiah! You look great. Put your shoes on right there, and come with us!" He looked at me for a second, and then he put on his shoes and came with us haha. He is a cute 13 year old boy. 
• Lori and Glenn are doing so good!! They have come to church 5 weeks in a row, and they are preparing for their baptism February 13th. Glenn's only question about baptism was, "February 13th isn't the superbowl, right?" haha. They are incredible people, and I absolutely love teaching them.
• I have been studying conversion lately, and I'll share some of my insights (borrowed from Elder Scott and Elder Bednar). Characteristics of conversion:
• consistent obedience and repentance 
• allegiance to God in interest, thought, and conduct
• desire for things against God's will has died (no more disposition to do evil)
• fixed determination and self-control 
• unwavering, rock solid, and unshakable in commitment to God
• understanding of life's meaning
• willingness
• Fruits, or blessings, of conversion:
• joy and peace
• confidence in oneself and the future
• purification
• How to become converted:
• consistent obedience to the commandments
• more frequent repentance 
• great diligence and determination
• honoring our covenants - using the sacrament more fully!!!
• awareness of our standing with God
• humility and submissiveness

I love you all!!! Keep your diligence. God will always, always bless you for it. Your lives will be enriched, and you will be happier.

Sincerely, 

Mon, Jan 18, 2016 2:44 pm Am I My Testimony?

 Hey everyone,

Wow. So transfers! I am so sad that me and the little chubs won't be together anymore. We have truly enjoyed our time together. We are best friends. All of this because we have testimonies of Our Heavenly Father, of His Son, Jesus Christ, and the restored gospel. I love missions. I love the people. I love my companions. I love watching the Atonement change people's lives. One of my favorite things this transfer was watching the Atonement change our companionship! SO! News...I am going BACK to Surrey Spanish. I will be serving with Hermana Cendreda. She has been companions with two of my other companions. I have heard amazing things about her. I am so excited to go back to Surrey and work with all of those people that I loved so much. And at the same time, my heart is breaking to leave Sister Polanco and the amazing ward members here. They were all so sweet yesterday.

We found a yummy sweet shop...totally reminded me of Mom

The little chubs said we HAD to buy a cake...then she pushed my face in it. I'll have to show you the video later. Apparently it's tradition in Guatemala

It was so funny though. Our bishop was SO SURE that Sister Polanco would be the one getting transferred that he asked her to give a talk in sacrament meeting. We were on exchanges at the time when he called so Sister Polanco asked, "What if Sister Hoth is the one leaving." He just said, "No, I am sure you are going." Haha...so in sacrament meeting they announced that she would be leaving. So she got up there and said, "Well Sister Hoth is actually the one leaving, but I still give a talk anyways." We died...so funny.

She loves food

Last planning session

So this week, we had a zone meeting. It was all about CONVERSION. And actually applying what we learn. I have realized that more than anything, I want my natures to change. Not just my behaviors...because that would mean that while I was on my mission, I was on my best behavior. What I want is so much deeper and so much more transforming than a behavior change or even gaining a testimony. I want to live my testimony and be my testimony. I want to be converted to Jesus Christ. In preparation for the meeting, we read two talks on conversion by the apostles. Both of them talked about the difference between a testimony and being converted. A testimony is a spiritual witness and knowledge given to us by the Holy Ghost and conversion is what we do with that. Conversion to me is sacrificing anything in order to live what I know. I have been asking myself "Am I my testimony?" And if I'm not...I immediately change what I'm doing. I challenge all of you to ask yourselves this throughout the day!

This week, we had planned to see Heidi and Alejandro, our Christmas miracle, but we just couldn't figure out a time that would work for her. So we weren't able to meet with her. She felt so bad and sent us a long message. In the message she expressed her worries and concerns for her and Alejandro. She is separated from her husband and is so worried that Alejandro is being affected negatively from it. She asked us to pray for her. We were able to testify to her of the peace and refuge that the gospel offers us. And we invited her (or exhorted) to allow us to teach her about the gospel. She said she would definitely consider it! This may not seem like much to a lot of you, but this is very sacred and spiritual for me. We haven't had a lot going on in Vancouver while I have served here, but I absolutely know that we found Heidi and Alejandro on that cold December night for a reason. God loves them, and knows them personally. So He allowed us to meet them. I feel so strongly that one day the will accept and embrace the gospel. Please pray for them!

Conquering the world

Marta Ayala and her brother. she broke her foot so we have visited her every week for the past 2 months. I'm so grateful we were able to be such a strength and comfort for her during this time when she couldn't leave her house.

Yesterday, at church, we were able to teach both Sunday School and Young Womens. It went so well. In Sunday school, we taught about prayer. We were very specific and very bold about the way we pray! Then we taught about missionary work in young womens. We had 3 young women there and 2 leaders! The room was so filled with the spirit and joy as we explained to them that we would be role playing! Haha...we role played introducing the Book of Mormon to people. We split into two groups and Sister Polanco and I were the investigators. They all just sat there...and had no idea how to start. So Sister Polanco and I gave an example. We testified with the Spirit and everything just flowed so nicely. Haha they all said, "that will be easy" and then gave it a shot. They soon found out that it was a lot harder than they thought. We were nice investigators and they soon got the hang of it. After they had the opportunity to share their testimonies of the Book of Mormon, they were all smiles. It is so amazing to me that we believe the gospel, we live the gospel, we are converted to the gospel, but do we know how to share the gospel?? How would you share the gospel with someone? How would you tell someone what the Book of Mormon is and what it means to you?

Love Nicolle and Celeste

Young Womens! Hoth, Polanco, Nicole, Juliette, Hermana Pasquier, Hermana Osoro, Robyn

I love the Del Castillo family

Hermana Chavez and Hermana Espinosa

Hermana Andrea Valdiri

Our Bishop...Alvarez andHermano Puschel...our ward mission leader

Hermanito Espinosa

Louisa!

Family and friends, I want you all to know that I love my mission. I do not love my mission because it has been easy or even fun all that time. I love it because I have come to know my Heavenly Father and my Savior. I have learned what it really means to love, serve, and sacrifice. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is truly Christ's church on the earth today. Jesus Christ directs and guides us through His prophets and apostles. I know these men are called of God. I know that us as missionaries are also called of God. We are doing the same marvelous missionary work that has been done from the beginning. I love God. God is so good. He allows all of us to learn of Him and live happy lives, but we must choose His ways to do so. I pray that we always rejoice in His goodness. (Mosiah 4:11-12)

Love,  Hermana Hoth

Look who I got to see! Sister Jenson goes home this week!:(

Sister Grant...I LOVE HER

They are "hoth-sick" (homesick for Hermana Hoth)

Sister Driscoll!!