My Life On His Time

  Town Square -  Las Tablas, Panama 

Hello friends!

 

This week has been so many things! I already feel as though I´ve been here for months...although I still don´t know much of anything...no matter how many times I have walked around the square, I want to go the wrong direction to head home every evening. Jaja, its an adventure for sure. Time on the computer seems even shorter here, I am sorry I am not able to reach all of you personally! I would like to write letters in my spare 2 and a half minutes a night...so send addresses please!

 

Okay, so a few brief really cool things. First of, a random happenstance. I believe most of the coolest things in a missionary´s life happen by accident. One day, Hna. Rodas and I were lost...that happens sometimes. It was hot, and there was a house to our left with the door open, so we thought, why not? We went to go say hi, started to introduce ourselves, and the girl at the door got really excited at went to grab something. Turns out, the missionaries had come knocking on their door once before, when she was around 10. She is 22 now. Her whole family loved the missionaries, but none of them progressed to baptism. We ended up teaching a lesson, and she wanted to be baptized. Way cool! Two days later (I think?) we came back and taught a lesson with five members of her family, who also all agreed to a baptism date. I already love this family so dearly, and we have known them for about a week and a half. A week and a half in missionary time though seems like a month. So yeah! We are currently teaching them the lessons in hopes that they feel the truth for themselves.

 

Sometimes, however, there are people who aren´t prepared to hear the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or aren´t ready to see it as truth. We are all at different stages of our lives, and I am happy to state that one of our beliefs in our church is to allow people to worship how, who, and what they may (Articles of Faith). However, we share our message whenever we can, just in case that person is ready. Something that I realized the other day is that is not our sole purpose, to teach the message only to those that are prepared. We were having a rough day...we got lost for three hours, no one was really very receptive to the message, and I was getting rather discouraged. We knocked on the door of what turned out to be an eldery couple. The woman was sick, but she and her husband came out to the porch with us to listen. We ended up having a simple and brief conversation about exercising our faith in Jesus Christ, and acting on that faith.As we walked away, I realized that we were there simply to help them feel more at ease, and help them feel our Heavenly Father´s love for them. In that moment, I learned about another piece of my purpose.

 

Also, sometimes, very often, random things happen that just can´t be explained. Hna. Rodas and I were in a lesson, and we noticed photos of a young married couple on the table. She asked a few brief questions and  then the conversation went on. As we left, I said, ¨This is going to sound crazy, but I feel like I know that couple. Especially her son (this was explained within the conversation)¨ She looked at me, and said, ¨I was going to say the SAME THING.¨ I have no idea why we both recognized the same person, but I have a feeling that completely unexplainable moments like that will occur quite often.

 

Another thing...specific prayers work. They really do. I was miserably hot the first few days...just felt gross. Hna. Rodas told me she used to have the same problem (she has been out six months) but now she prays specfically to not feel like she is burning up, and she doesn´t! So I decided to try it. Every day, I add that into my prayers...and guess what? I may be covered in sweat, but I don´t feel hot. Its the weirdest thing. People all around us are blasting fans and complaining about the heat, but my companion and I? We don´t even use a fan at night. I truly believe that through faith in Jesus Christ, ALL things are possible...even changing how you feel. My body may still be reacting to the heat, but my mind is simply focused on other things. Yeah, I can hear my mom saying, ¨Mind over matter!¨...guys, she really knew what she was talking about.

 

Well, I think that is all from me this week. I nearly had a panic attack when the computer shut down on me last week. I still don´t have many pictures..I will get around to it. That is probably for the best, because on Sunday, when I put a little makeup on, everyone was calling me angel. Jaja. My green eyes and blonde hair still make me stand out though. This one little girl in one of our investigating families came right up to me and started laughing...I love kids.

 

Keep being amazing family and friends! I may not know the language, but I love where I am. These people are so special...and I feel it an honor to live here for a small part of my life.

 

Con amor, Hna. Scott

 

Also! General Conference is this weekend. Listen to some beautiful and heart warming talks by some of the most incredible people in the world! I love you guys

A Sweater Pillow to Rest Her Sweaty Head - Week of: 9-23-13

So, I have to start paying for being on the internet...and I don´t really want to go over an hour. I shall do my best to tell you what I can in the minutes that I have left. I am in Panama! Today is day 50 for being on a mission. What in the world! I can´t tell you how refreshing it is to be on a computer...and in air conditioning, jaja. When people said it was hot in Panama, they weren´t kidding. I don´t even know where my make up is. Also my pillow is made up of totally useless sweaters in a pillowcase. But by the time I lay down at night, its pretty much the best thing in the world. I am in Las Tablas...and my companion and I opened up a new area! I feel blessed...and feel an incredible sense of responsibility. We have a lot of work to do. We live in the same casa as two otro hermanas, but they have a different area, and they´ve only been here for six weeks! The rama aqui is so small. On average, they have about 35 people in sacarment meeting. We meet in a house here in town, right in the square. The rama here is pretty strong, they just really need us for encouragement. Oh! My companion´s name is Hna. Rodas, and she just hit her six month mark. This is only her second area, and already her second time training. When I had my interview with Pres. Carmack (Mission pres.) he said she was a very hard worker, and he thought that we would do really well together. I can already agree with that. We have not stopped since we got here. I haven´t even fully unpacked! We still have to go buy tables, so we have been studying on the floor...which isn´t the best because at 8 in the morning, the cold floor is really comfortable, and I find myself dreaming that I am back at el CCM, jaja. Hna. Rodas is a great companion, and we get along really well. She is a cellist..which makes me the happiest person alive, because if the language barrier hits really hard, we can always communicate through music. She actually knows quite a bit of English, which is such a relief. Its really hard sometimes to go hours without knowing what is going on. Seriously, the four of us will be walking down a road for thirty minutes, and then we walk into someone´s yard..and all I can do is follow! The people here are wonderful and always willing to help me out. I think I am actually going to be teaching an Ingles class. Possibly Piano too. Jaja, when we came in on Sunday, the members were so happy, that one Hermana jumped up, showed us where the keyboard was, and pratically pushed us over to it. I miss a lot of information, but I don´t think they´ve had a pianist in years, if ever. This past week has been a glorious struggle. I´m gaining knowledge and blisters. I am feeling very humbled. This morning was quite an adventure...I had to wash laundry by hand. But not to worry, we do have running water, and an indoor bathroom. Never have I been so grateful for a cold shower. Ja! Today we had Kraft macaroni and cheese, and never have I been so happy to eat powdered cheese. You really do become grateful for the small things. 

I don´t really have pictures this week either...haven´t had time to take them! Also, we are in a tourist area because of the beach...I think there is one like 10 minutes away in a bus. Its technically in our area..I am sure there must be someone near the ocean that needs to meet us. 

Also, something that is hilarious is that I am kind of a celebrity here. Being pale and blonde really makes you stand out. I hear people on the street say "Gringa!¨all the time. So I just stop and say, ¨Buenas!" and we tell them who we are. Its kind of funny, because people will stop and listen to us, so they can hear me talk. Jaja, it seriously is the weirdest thing ever to stand out this much. I am so grateful for the nametag though. Its rough, but I am grateful for the opportunity. We have already had lessons with many people, and there is one family that I love very much. I wish I could say more, but I am running out of time. I love you all very much, and I just want you to know that its beautiful here, and although I am always covered in sweat, I have a smile on my face, because I know that the work I am doing is exactly right. 

Con amor,

Hna. Scott

Jessica Leaving Mexico and off to Panama! - Week of 9-17-13

WARNING. This is going to be a bit scatter-brained, I`m afraid. Not much sleep was had last night. Too much crazy missionary business, you know.

 

 

I am going to miss el CCM so much. I can`t believe the family that I have gained while being here. We had a testimony meeting last night, before everyone started to leave...and it was so emotional. Every one of us feels such love for every one. Hermana Moore, Hermana Peterson, and Elder Gilles left early this morning...I was so tired when walking them to the bus, that I forgot my nametag.. Oops. It was 2:50 am though, so not many people were out and about. Elder Stone, Fonoimoana, and Draper just left over an hour ago. Guys...this is rough. I truly believe what people say about having a hard time leaving people on your mission. I am so excited for all of us though...We are all heading out into the world, ready to serve... Its going to be such an incredible experience. I`ve technically been out for six weeks, approaching seven (WHAT?!) but I really haven`t started yet. This is real. No more teachers, no more el comedor...I truly have to learn to always rely on the Lord.

 

I am just itching to go. I know I have a lot to learn, but I have been so blessed with incredible teachers and peers that have all helped me to base a foundation upon which I will continue to cultivate spiritual strengths. I have full confidence that hardships that I face will be moments that will help me become better, be more successful. I have already obtained the beginning of many atrributes needed to be successful as a missionary, and later on in life as well. I have gained more confidence in myself, in my Savior and Heavenly Father, and the truthfulness of the gospel. I have had many a fantastic opportunity to study, to become more scripturally knowledgeable...to strengthen my relationship with my Heavenly Father. Sure, I am nervous about moving to another country...again. Paro, I know that if I rely on the Lord, ask for help, and go forward with faith, I will be provided with all things necessary to be spiritually uplifted and physically able.

 

One quick beautiful thing! Our investigator, Marco, went to church on Sunday with Hermana Bair (I think I spelled it wrong in the previous email...English is truly going out the window, guys). She said he was there a half hour early, ready to go. He loved Gospel Principles class, and was engaged the entire time. He said he can`t wait to watch General Conference, and he wants to bring his mom to church with him next week. Again I ask myself, is this wonderful person for real?! Apparently so...I have seen him a couple times, and other people have too. I am so happy for Marco...and I feel so blessed to have met him. Hermana Bair plans on keeping us updated with how he is doing.

 

I am also so happy that I am able to experience life in this culture. This week has been all about Independence of Mexico...the food, the flags, the smiling faces of everyone...Saturday night, we had a culture night. We watched a beautiful video that made me cry, watched a dance troup that brought me to my feet, and one of my teachers was in the color guard, calling the orders. It was so cool to watch him in action. He is a dancer too, and a fantastic one, but he wasn`t in the troup, jaja. Saturday night just made me feel so patriotic. Our wonderful Latino friends were shouting "¡Viva la Mexico!", waving flags, whistling and cheering...I was just in awe the entire time. The culture is so rich down here, and there is so much pride in heritage. Its a beautiful thing to behold, that`s for sure. I have pictures, but my camera cord is back at the casa, jaja. I`ll have to send some eventually.

Last night, we watched an event that I cannot remember the name of for some reason...maybe because its hard to pronounce...but anyway, at 11 pm (Yeah, we were up LATE. It was weired to be out of my house past 9:45) on the 15th of September, the President of Mexico comes out onto the balcony of this building in the center of Mexico City, with the flag, and rings a bell. He shouts out the sames of several significant men who fought for independence.  Then there are fireworks. Lots of fireworks. We were watching a broadcast, but it was only 30 minutes away from here, so when walking home, we could see and hear the spectacle continuing on. It was such a neat experience. I am so grateful to get to experience other cultures... I was tearfully saying goodbye to one of teachers, telling him how much I love Mexico, and he said that I should just make it my home.

I have this heavy feeling that I will feel 69437474984 times more strongly about Panama when I get used to being there. These people are truly just so beautiful...so open and welcoming.

 

This truly is a marvelous work and wonder that I am taking part of. I was born upon this earth in a fantastic era...one in which religious freedom is more widely accepted, a time when sharing beliefs is done more efficiently than ever before. I am young in a time when I am able to do unheard of things, like living in Mexico and Panama for 18 months. I have to overwhelmingly blessed opportunity to go forth, meet Heavenly Father`s children, and share the message of Jesus Christ with everyone and that is prepared to hear. I am filled with so much gratitude.

 

Here I go, into another chapter of this beautiful story. I can`t wait.

 

Con amor,

Hermana Jessica Scott 

 

 Them goofy Elders...

The Zone.

 What a stud.

The District

The way Elders say goodye! 

- Recovered Lost Bag and Bus Driver Part 2 - Week of 9-12-13

Guys.. I am moving to Panama in just a few days. We don`t get our flight information until Saturday...but I think I am leaving Tuesday. We shall see! Its been six weeks...where in the world did the time go? Its a beautiful yet terrifying fact that time goes by so quickly. The wonderful best friends that I have made here...I have to say goodbye. People have said leaving areas in your mission is harder than leaving home...and I am starting to believe that. I am going to ball when I have to say goodbye. But most of you guys already know that I cry about everything...my family here understands that now too. Its completely warranted though! I have been spending nearly every waking moment with the same 11 people for six weeks...they truly are my family. We have all been here together, supporting one another through the very beginning of our missionary adventures...we have all been through some amazing times together, laughed a lot, had some tense moments, exchanged some very "missionary-esque" smack-talk during our nearly daily volleyball games...and now we have to go our many separate ways throughout the world. Literally, throughout the world. How fantastically intense is it that our Heavenly Father trusts us, 18 to 20-something year olds to go throughout the world and share His love? Every day, I am still taken aback by what I am actually doing. I am not completely clear of that path that got me hear...but I am glad that this is where I am right now. My posts may begin to seem redundant, I say many of the same things, but they just prove to become more and more true each and every day!

 

By the way...two amazing things (among mucho mas) paso este past semana...

 

 

Numero Uno: I found my bag! I think Saturday was the day. I had such a hard time being patient and having faith that I would find it. But, pretty much within hours of me finally letting go, and having faith in Heavenly Father and my Savior...I discovered someone had put it in a safe place in the back of el Comodor. Heavenly Father wanted to help me learn a lesson of having faith and being patient in recieving answers to prayers. I am going to say it again, I am grateful for trials. I am able to learn more and more every time that a new stumbling block in placed in my path. I may be really frustrated in the moment...but in retrospect, I truly do know that things happen to help us grow. This is really one of the firsts times in my life however when I truly did feel at peace before my prayers were answered.

 

So. Remember how I said there better be an incredible blessing for someone due to my trial?

 

Numero Dos: We met Marco otra vez. Yep. Our incredible friend that we met two weeks ago? He came back!! Hna. Johnson and I were super later for breakfast Tuesday morning, and we ended up sitting at a completely different table than usual, facing a different way. We were just eating cereal, and then I saw a familiar face at the window...it was Marco. I jumped up, and we ran out the door to talk  to him, leaving our bags, food, and everything behind. (Some lesson that I learned right? Jaja) He was so happy to see us...and said that no missionaries had contacted him yet, which made me really sad. He said that he read what we asked him to. We asked him if he has been feeling any difference in his life since talking with us...and he said he noticed a huge change. When we told him that we were about to move to Panama, he began to cry, and said that he wanted us to teach him more. He then said that he would be back in the afternoon, and would love to talk with us again. We said a prayer with him, and said our goodbyes. Neither one of us could believe it! When we got back to the classroom, everyone was on fire with questions, because they saw us run out the door, and gathered what happened. They were all telling us to run and tell the President, jaja. Elder Stone sat in the windowsill starting at like 2, looking for Marco`s bus.

 

An Hermana  maestro, Hna. Bear, ended up going with us to help translate some of what he said. When we were looking for our teachers, we found her. She was so excited, and instantly offered our help. When we asked her what the best thing to teach him would be, she said, "I am simply going to be there with you guys to lend support..but as far as the lesson goes, you two are set apart to recieve revelation for investigators...I am no longer a full-time missionary." That hit me so hard... We said a quick prayer, and went out to talk with him. He was amazing. We went to go get chairs for us to just sit in the beautiful Mexico City weather, and he wouldnt let us get them...he carried them for us. I wish I had time to talk about everything that happened...but the important thing is, we spoke with him for an hour and 15 minutes...and I could tell you that I KNOW it was only maybe 30. The Spirit was so strong...there were moments when none of us could speak because we were so overwhelmed. He is going to go to church with the wonderful Hna. Bear on Sunday...I can`t wait to find out what he thought about it. Apparently, he said this within the conversation, after I told him that other missionaries will have the same beautiful message that we have...he said that he knew that we all taught the same things, but he felt such a connection with us, he felt he could tell us anything, that he didn`t want us to leave. He jokingly asked if we could just serve in Mexico, jaja. I would love to stay and teach him too...but I know there are specfic people I am supposed to meet in Panama.

At the end of our lesson, he prayed in front of other people for the first time. It was probably the most beautiful prayer I have ever heard.

He may stop by again on Sunday...I would love to see him one more time! Apparently, the first time that he came aqui, he switched with another bus driver...he wasnt actually supposed to drive here. He said he felt that God knew he needed to meet us. Its just...such an amazing thing to be a blessing in someone`s life...that we were the ones to introduce him the knowledge that he has a purpose in his life.

Another thing...that teacher was supposed to be going on a date right around the time we came in and found her...but it was cancelled. She ended up being able to come, strengthen the lesson, establish church, and invite him to go to church with her. Heavenly Father just prompted small things to happen to bring forth great things.

 

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have my eyes open, to see Heavenly Father`s hand so prevalent in my life. I am nervous to leave here...but I know that I am ready. I know that if I rely on the Spirit, and maintain and strengten my relationship with my Heavenly Father, I can truly do anything.

 

I love you all. Next time I talk to you, I will be in Panama!!

 

God Bless.  Hna. Jessica Scott

 

  Jessica's friends in her district.  

Beautiful daughters of God.

I love this picture!  Jessica's District.

Jessica at the Mexico City Temple

Jessica's District in front of the temple.

- Through Trial Comes Strength - Week of 9-5-13

What can I say? I am continuing to strengthen my knowledge of the fact that I know I am in the right place. I head to Panama in just over a week...and although my Español is still pretty weak...and the conversation while getting my hair cut this morning was one of the most awkward ever... I am so excited to go. A lot of the conversational Español can only be learned out in the field...regardless...I have faith that everything will go exactly how its supposed to go. I have had so many random trials already thrown at me...which constanly remind me that I am doing the right thing. The stronger my testimony grows, the harder the Adversary works against me...which just makes me work harder, and become stronger in the process, jaja. Trials have nothing against you if you don`t give them power. One thing that we all have power over is how we overcome trials, and if we overcome them. We have so much power within ourselves...I love that I have been able to realize that. Sometimes it is hard...I am not going to lie. Life at the CCM is not all peaches and cream...for the most part, its absolutely amazing! But there are some days when you leave your umbrella in the classroom, and you are in the comedor...so you run through the rain in a white shirt, soak your shoes, and hair. You get a second shower for the day. And ten minutes later, you go to teach a lesson about the gospel of Jesus Christ....and you forget that you were freezing a few minutes before hand. Some days, like yesterday, you lose your bag with your licence, money, journal, and  temple recommend...and you have to keep going.

Regardless of how currently worried I am about my missing things...I know that I will be okay. My companion said while I was having a moment of weakness (yeah I have those) that she knows the Lord will provide those things again somehow...because they are necessary for me to successfully serve. Which is true. Things will be provided for me somehow. Jaja, I keep thinking about a story that I heard about a missionary a few weeks ago...within his first Sunday out on his mission, he ripped his only suit beyond repair, crashed his bike, and had all of his money stolen. In the process of his mission, his dad become a member of the Church. So...just think about things this way...when trials happen, just expect something wonderful to happen because of it. You may not even realize the blessing recieved due to your trial of faith...but it will occur. I am already recognizing evidence of that in my life out here...So I am expecting something amazing to happen for someone due to this particular trial! Jaja.

 

Life is a beautiful thing...we are all given the wonderful opportunity to choose for ourselves what path we will take...we are given the priviledge to learn, to grow, to meet life long friends, to create families...to learn to believe in ourselves and what we are capable of. I love my life. I get to do so many wonderful things here in Mexico, and then in Panama...and who knows what awesome things are in store for me after my mission. The next 17 months (yeah, I have already been out for a month, guys!) is only the beginning...its like the refiner`s fire, as one of my friends said, that helps me become who I need to be for the rest of my life. There will be trials, and there will be days, as there already have been, when I fall down to my knees and ask for help. Ask to be made stronger, ask for blessing for those back at home that I can`t simply ask how they are doing...ask for experiences that will make me the best missionary and daughter of God that I can possibly be.

 

For those of you that read this...thank you so much for taking the time to do so. I love being able to share my experiences with as many people as possible...because I truly am happy. I love what I am doing, more than any other journey I have ever embarked on in my life. I want everyone to be as happy as I am, to know what it feels like. How you get to this point of happiness is up to you...and I hope with all my heart that you can do that for yourself. One way that I know I can feel such happiness in my heart is through serving others. Helping other people feels so good! Try to find ways to perform small deeds for others...and you will start to feel just as good (or even better) as those you help.

 

Why am I so happy when I have no money or no bag to carry things? I know that I am walking side by side with my Savior...and I couldn`t be more excited for the path that I am...I know I am in the right place, and I am constantly grateful for all of the people in my life that have helped me along the way in so many different ways...you are all so wonderful, and I love you all. Thank you so much for being there for me...and thinking of me. I hope my words reach you in a positive way, and you can feel at least the smallest part of the light that I know is surrounding me. I am just filled with love and happiness...there is no better feeling. Please, send addresses, and such, and I will do the best I can to talk to as many people as possible...you are all amazing, and I want to know how you are doing.

 

This first month has been heavenly. Truly. I am more than estactic for the months to follow.

 

Con amor, Hna. Jessica Scott