Meeting our goals and off to Volcano Irazu and the Insane Asylum...random P-Day Shenanigans:)

Hello everyone!
This week was awesome!! I felt that I really grew spiritually this week. That's what I love about the mission and something that I have noticed; especially with Elder Hansgen training Elder Tibbs who is still a newbie. It really doesn't matter how much time you have in the mission, 2 months or 13, you can never stop learning or growing. I feel like I still have so much to learn!!

Today, P-Day was so fun!!! Because we met the goal of baptisms in our Zone, we were able to do a Zone activity (woop woop!). With a whole lot of confusion and undetermined plans we ended up doing 2 beyond random crazy things! In the morning we headed to the Stake Center to gather the Zone together and while we were waiting, we played soccer. Obviously, haha, is there any other sport in Costa Rica? The answer. No! We were playing, and I was doing alright for someone who hasn't played in like 6 years (still got my game). UNTIL... I felt something painfully sharp in my arm. I shewed away whatever it was and pulled out what looked like a stinger from my arm. I was brought back to my first and only bee stinging experience in 1st grade, and immediately walked off the field and to my companion not knowing what to do. AHH BEE STINGS HURT DANG IT. Hahaha, I pretty much laughed the entire time as my arm was shaking and my companion helped me. We left the bathroom and everyone had left the Stake Center and locked us in hahahah, What an experience. We were like thanks guys!

Then the activity began. First, we went up to Volcano Irazu in Cartago. We had no clue that we were going to do that so we did not prepare. We got to the volcano after driving in a van for about 30 mins, way up in the mountain and it was freezing!! I can't explain to you just how cold, but my sweater was not doing anything for me! We were psyched though and took off running towards the crater. We started to notice that everything was foggy. We were literally in the clouds and we could not see anything!! I seriously could not see 2 feet in front of me, it was bright white. I started to feel like I was in Lehi's vision. I had no clue where to go, I only heard voices. We were all dying of cold and that's when...it started raining/snowing who knows what it was? Only few of us had umbrellas too. It was one of the most miserable yet hilarious moments of my life. I could not feel my hands nor feet and my ears were burning due to the freezing cold wind and water. We all ran back as soon as we could. It was nuts! When we returned to the parking lot, I met missionaries from Louisiana. That was fun. Then we drank hot chocolate and ran into the cutest little animals, they are called COATI MUNIDS!! I love the wildlife in Costa Rica!!

After the Volcano, we went to an old insane asylum. Yeah, that sounds like a good idea right? ha! Well this place was where all of the people from Central America went when they needed cures for their diseases. Well in the end it turned out that many couldn't be cured, so they tortured them and ended up killing them. I was really creeped out when we got there but luckily, with time Hermana Freeze and I found ways to make the experience fun. I love learning about history and even though that place gave me the heeby jeebys at times, I learned something new!! By the end of all of the activities we were so done!! We were exhausted! Hermana Martinez and I ate pizza with the elders and came back to our area. Successful P-day!

This last week, I was able to do divisions with the Hermanas from Cartago and from Turrialba. It was fun working with Hermana Chavez (turrialba) and Stevens (cartago). Divisons sometimes make me nervous because I'm so used to working with my own companion, but I like them too because I get to learn new things. I definitely learned from both of them! I learned how to be more direct with the investigators from Hermana Chavez and how to show more love for the people with Hermana Stevens. Every time that I work with the Hermanas I see just how inspired our areas and our companionships are. We are all needed here in Costa Rica but for different reasons. Everyone has different personalities, skills and talents. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a leader for the Hermanas here. I know that they each have something to teach me in their own way.

Recently, we have been working really hard on our goals for this month. Hermana Martinez and I have prayed so much about who is ready to baptize. We were grateful that the Lord answered our prayers and we will be working so hard to meet our baptism goal this month. As a Zone, we are tying to meet the goal of having every area baptize. Every single one. That never has happened!! We are all dedicated to making it happen and I have the faith that it will!

With that in mind, we had a very special fast this past week. Not just the mission but everyone in Costa Rica. I know that we really shouldn't talk about fasts, and I do this not to brag but because this fast made a huge impact on me and I feel like I need to share it. President Hayes and Elder Chaverri (yay pococi!) suggested that all of us fast to see miracles in Costa Rica and that angels would help us to strengthen the work of The Lord in this country during this month of September. We received text messages from both of them, inspiring us missionaries to have the faith, and that God would provide for where we lack if we are willing to work with Him. I feel so much stronger spiritually by doing this fast. I am grateful for the opportunity that we have been given to fast, to put our will more in line with that of the our Father In Heaven. I have seen incredible miracles in my mission as I have fasted. Things that I never thought would happen, happened. God loves His children and as we pray, fast, and obey His commandments, He will bless us and will always complete his promises. I know that He heard our prayers and that this month will be one of miracles.

This is the last week of this change. 6 weeks is no time at all!! We will see what happens! Next week's email might be with news of a transfer! I love you all and pray for you every day. I invite you all to look for ways to help with the missionary work wherever you are!

Health Update:)

I'm better I just have the ball still and it concerns me. I'm not aching in pain but it hurts to touch it. it's just wayyy under my jaw...It's smaller but just hard and painful to the touch. I am way better but i just want to make sure it's ok. I'm going back to the hospital to see the doctor on Thursday.

Thank you all for your prayers! I love you!

♥Hermana Zerilli

We went and made papusas with the El Salvadorenas from the ward and they took us to a connection bridge! my awesome companion from El Salvador taught me how to make them...I know the secret now!!