"This week I saw many miracles and blessings!"

Hi everyone!!
Another great week here in Gaupiles, Costa Rica!

First I want to say Happy Belated Birthday to Paula! Love you!

Once again...we had to go to the office for legal paperwork for Hermana Tejeda. I forgot how long of a process that was in the beginning of my mission. Aserri was close to the office, so we didn't have to travel far to do my paperwork. The 4 hours by bus every time is so tiring. Luckily, the buses are super comfortable! I was able to visit with all of my friends in the office and I really enjoy that. I have to say, Its really fun having Elder Abel as the new secretary. He calls me all the time to come in for something and its really cool to hear a familiar voice and have someone from home in the mission!

This week I saw many miracles and blessings! We have been working so hard and my goal is to find those people here that are really prepared to receive the gospel. This past week, I got a call from Hermana Xyna. Her son Daniel has a friend named Steven who has been to church one time and wants to be taught. We were like "Okay! Lets go!" We had the privilege to teach him 2 times and he is a golden investigator. He's so ready and open to learning. He came to church again yesterday and has a baptismal date for February. This week we have plans to teach his family! Aside from that, we have had countless experiences this week that were really special. Hermana Tejeda and I are really focusing on the importance of the Spirit in lessons. After all, we don't teach, the Spirit does! I have been able to see our investigators really learn by the Spirit. It has strengthened my testimony and I have learned during the lessons too.

All of the missionaries in the world had a conference this past Wednesday. We were able to watch the transmission in the chapel as a zone. The title was "Teach Repentance and Baptize Converts". I LOVED IT. That title is everything. My goal in my mission isn't to baptize for numbers or reputation. That is all wrong. I want to baptize converts, strong members of the church with testimonies who are going to continue no matter how difficult life gets. We were able to watch training from Elder Bednar, Elder Ballard, and many more authorities of the church. I took about a million notes and hopefully I can apply them.

Random things for this week.

There was a minor earthquake here! I have felt 3 in my mission so far! This time it was in the middle of a lesson. What was funny is that I reacted, but my companion and the man that we were teaching didn't, so I just thought I was crazy! Hahaha, Then everyone was talking about the earthquake and I was like "I KNEW IT!". Not crazy.

Something that I love about Hermana Tejeda is how healthy she is. Its great!! I'm back to eating piles of fruit!! Our snacks are fruit and nuts, and granola bars. Oh and I'm back to running everyday and I'm so much happier about that. We run far too! I feel so much better everyday!! Something a little funky though, she has me drinking this "tea". The latinas are very much all natural. One of the less active members has a huge tree in her back yard and apparently the leaves can cure any illness!! Now take that as you will haha. They gave us a bag full of the leaves and we drink the leaves in water every day in the morning and the night. It smells awful but doesn't really taste like anything. It's so weird hahah, but apparently its good for you!

This past weekend I had the opportunity to remember my Grandpa Laguna as January 23rd was the date of his passing 9 years ago. It seriously breaks my heart to know that I can not talk to him face to face and have that relationship with him now, but I know that he is happy. I know that because our father in heaven has such a perfect plan for us. I know where we are going and I know where Grandpa is. Grandpa Laguna was strong and brave and quite funny:) I really hope that I can be that strong and brave too. When life gets tough I'm going to try my best to reflect those qualities that he had. He's my hero and I know that he's watching over me.

I love you all and Have a fantastic week!! I'll be writing again before you know it!

Love Tay (Hermana Zerilli)

This is what my area looks like...gorgeous right!