The Singing Sister Missionary: Life in Central America : Jessica Leaving Mexico and off to Panama!

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...