I Really Want A Taco Bell Taco!!

Familia!!!!!!
I’ve already started crying and I haven’t even written the email yet.

So this week had been good.

Um, I’m gonna start with one of my investigators name Marcis she is this sweet old lady that half the time I can’t understand because she mumbles but she always blesses me with the cross before we leave each lesson and I always look forward to the lessons with her. Last time after we finished she told me that she could feel something coming from me and I know it’s the Holy Ghost testifying through me. Another one of our investigators name is Wilder he is working to be baptized in August but he had a relapse the other day and came home drunk so I was really sad about that, and we haven’t met with him since so hopefully we can see him in the next few days and see how we can help him! There is a member here name Hermana Liliana and she President of the Young Women and she is so cool! She made me a smoothie last time and it was so good. And she gave us maracoya and avocados and the avocados are like the size of my face, they are huge!!! Everyone here thinks it’s awesome that I can braid apparently not that many people here can. also last Wednesday we did a lesson at the temple with our investigator Dali and she is not sure about baptism but it was nice to finally walk around the Trujillo temple.

They have a candy here that is similar to starburst called frunas and they are the best thing ever! Last Tuesday I sat through my first earthquake and my companion freaked out and I just sat there and kept listening to the zone leaders who were teaching and later my companion thought I was calm because I had been in one before. yea no. but it was cool. Also the I’m pretty sure I am definitely being protected because the last few nights I’ve fallen asleep to the sound of dogs eating each other and gun shots. so I’m definitely being protected. One night while we were walking to an appointment a bunch of drunk guys started yelling at me to speak English and me and my companion just started walking faster and luckily nothing happened but the drunks scare me. Somedays we will hear gunshots during lunch and I think one day I counted up to 9 gunshots. Luckily, I never hear any while I am out proselyting.

So there is 0 style here whatsoever half the ladies here don’t shave their legs and most outfits look horrible together but ya know its Peru so why not. There is trash everywhere here and I am constantly being reminded of the movie Wall-e. They have random holes in the sidewalks that they fill with trash then cover with cement and seal it. It’s really just like the movie Wall-e.

There is a cat around here that wanders around that looks exactly like Ginger. I get a little homesick every time I see her. A couple days ago I was having a really really bad day and I got to the point I just knelt down and begged God to help me get through the day. I didn’t feel like I had any strength in my body and all of a sudden I just felt like someone was picking me and carrying me and I somehow made it through the day. That has been a huge reminder this week about the Atonement that the Savior really will carry us the rest of the way when we can’t go any farther. Also in my personal study this morning I was reading in preach my gospel and it says " we must walk by faith rather than by sight" and I really love that because it reminds me that I need to have faith and starting seeing people how our Father in Heaven sees them. If I am looking at this people with my eyes I will never accomplish anything but if I look at them how God sees them I really am going to accomplish much because then ill see the people God wants me to help.

One nice thing about graffiti everywhere is there are lots of random quotes that’s really nice. One was about how your actions speak louder than your words and I’ve written it down and put it in places to remind me. After my email last week, I remembered the song from the happiest millionaire " it won’t be long until Christmas" and that’s been a motivator as well.

Thanks for all the love and support!!!!

You guys are the best!!!
 
Love Hermana McNamara

Refiners Fire & Protection - This Missionary Mom's Contemplations while she waits for email.....

Tomorrow is email day!  I am excited to hear about this weeks adventures!  However, I have spent a lot of time this week contemplating Cassie's last letter, and thought I would share a few of those thoughts.  (Yep, I'm thinking, Scary I know!)   She was pleading for more prayers to help her be stronger, more faithful and courageous.  It got me thinking about about all the missionaries I have seen leave for missions, starting with my grandparents,  brother, friends,  nieces and nephews, Matthew, children of friends, ward members. It seems they all shared a common bond.  That is, that the first few weeks and months of the mission are HARD.  They are challenging and many of  them (if not most) wanted to give up.

So it got me thinking.  Doesn't that really make sense?  Heavenly Father is sending these missionaries out to teach those He has prepared to learn the gospel.  Wouldn't He also prepare the teachers?  Don't you suppose it makes sense for it to be hard, challenging, lonely and overwhelming to teach them from where they can find strength?  To teach them how to hear His voice, where to gain comfort and courage.  These are all things they will need as they teach.  So don't you suppose a refiners fire is totally appropriate and necessary?  They are being humbled, tutored and taught at the feet
of their Savior.  Instead of fighting the process, if they could only embrace it.  Trust HIM.  Put their faith in HIM.  Learn the lessons He is trying to teach them.  BELIEVE Him.  Believe not only that He lives and loves them, but that He can do ALL that He says He can do.  He can comfort, He can Bless, He can heal.  He can give them courage, strength, wisdom, and understanding.  What a blessing it is for Cassie to be part of this refining process.  She is learning to trust, learning to listen, learning the power and strength she has within her.  Most importantly she is learning to KNOW her Savior.  I couldn't be more pleased, or happier for her at this very moment.  Even though I know it is very difficult for her.  She is going to come out of this so much stronger.  These are super powers we are talking about here!!  She will be steadfast and immovable.  That is my wish for her, and though I miss her terribly, I can't feel sad for her, I can't feel sad for me.  I feel a great spirit of rejoicing at this opportunity for her.  She is gaining strength beyond anything I can imagine.

After finishing her letter tonight I was looking for a couple of quotes to add at the end.  I came across this picture.  It sums up everything I have felt this week as I have tried not to worry, prayed for her and pondered her experiences.  It sums up the trust I have, that I have placed her securely in the hands of my Savior and whatever will be, will be.  Whatever happens, He is strong enough to help all of us through it.  That's something to rejoice about.

Thanks for listening to my rant, and for your continued prayers on Cassie's behalf.  She is so blessed with a powerful support system!!  We Love You All!!

Kim

Well I’m alive!!!!! - 07/19/2016

So the last two weeks have been absolutely crazy here!!!! I still only have an hour to write so I hope I can get everything I want in here in here. So travel to the field was good, I didn’t get my package Mom but Hermana Moore was very happy to forward it to me. We got to the field and had lots of people from the mission home waiting for us. Once we got to the mission home we stayed there for the night and then the next morning we went and met our new companions. So my companion’s name is Hermana Chaparro and she is from Lima. She actually speaks a lot more English than I thought. I can’t attach pictures here they don’t have SD cards inserts so I’ll check every week, but it might have to wait a while or until the end of my mission, I’m not really happy about that. Next time I’m at the mission home I’ll check and see if my package is there and if the thumb drive is there if there’s any possible way for me to send pictures from Hermana Marbles computer. Here’s hoping!

So I live in a tiny room right next to the bishop and the bishop’s wife is actually our penchanista, and I will never make my own food here, ever. I will also never do my own laundry. The bathroom in my room is so small I have to sit sideways on the toilet and when I shower if I don’t want to get electrocuted I have to shower in cold water and if want to use hot water I have to have something in my hand when I touch the handle because if I don’t I get nice shock goes up my arm, that’s pretty terrible. but Hermana Marble is gonna try and have that fixed.

oh and if I leave the area I have to either go with my zone or my district, we can’t go shopping without my district...... kinda weird.

Mom could you send out a group email for me????

um so this last week has been spent crying and crying and lots more crying. it’s been super stressful. my companion wants to learn English so she will talk in English and she has been directed not to because I need to learn Spanish but she still doesn’t listen. I always have her repeat in Spanish because I refuse to disobey and I need to learn this language. Fries are a meal here and so is granola and fruit and surprisingly it is very filling. Hermana Clark is in my zone so I can see her 3 times a week and that’s been nice because this last week has been terrible for both of us.

Saturday I got to attend my first Peruvian wedding and so that was really weird, there was like 20 couples in the one wedding, because if they can get more than 10 couples to get married at the same time its only 30 soles instead of 250 soles. I will be honest, Dad remember how you said Peru is about 15 years away from being a first world country??? yea no I would say more like 30 mainly because they have technology yes, but they are living in dirt holes in the ground. It’s so sad they have everything but the houses are not even close to being secure. I’m in an area called Centenario 2 I think the city name is Laredo. it’s about 35 minutes from the mission home. It’s very crazy here and the people are super nice.

My 2nd day here we taught a new investigator name Marisa and she is literally this living in a 2nd story apartment. and me and Hermana Chaparro sang “soy un hijo de dios” (I am a Child of God) for her and the spirit came in like a wrecking ball. It was very powerful and I’ll be honest I cried. I am not even kidding I have never cried so much in my entire life! But it’s been good crying most of the time. I’m sorry my typing is so terrible the little internet shop we are writing in has very sticky keyboards and they are not the easiest things to type on. I was very spoiled in the CCM.

I also have never realized how much I have underappreciated my family since being here. I’m not even kidding! Most of the missionaries around me don’t have family in the church. and so they have no support out here in the mission field. it’s very sad. But I want to say I love my family very much and you have no idea how much I miss you guys! There have been so many times this week I have wanted to call president and tell him to send me home! It’s been so hard especially since I can’t understand anyone. I’ve been paying very close attention and I can pick up a lot of stuff but its only if they talk really slow. I’m hoping that I can understand a bit more every week and talk more every day. I can understand a lot of stuff when I read it but it’s a little difficult. I also had to bear my testimony Sunday in the ward I’m serving in and I got 2 sentences in and my mind froze and I couldn’t remember anymore Spanish so I finished and went and sat back down. But all the people told me that my testimony was amazing so I hope it was amazing because the Spirit testified of my testimony to them. Also one of our investigators his name is Luis has agreed to baptism in August and I will most likely still be here in this area so I am very excited for that. Also Wolder and Rolando have agreed to baptism we just have to get them to church which is turning into a problem but we aren’t giving up. there isn’t much else to write. Mom if you could ask questions that would be awesome! I’m not sure what you guys want to hear?

Love you all!

Love Hermana McNamara

P.s. Just in case I have to get off before you respond. Love you lots, miss you like crazy! Tell Julian’s family I’m really sorry and I hope they are ok! Also if you can keep me in your prayers I can use all the help I can get! It’s so hard here Mom, I’ve cried myself to sleep every night and I just want to come home but I’m going to keep persevering because God needs me here for some reason. When I get home you and dad had better be the first 2 people to give me a hug, I’m not even kidding I have missed your guys hugs so much this last week and one from my companion or the mission president’s wife just is not the same! I really miss you guys and at the current moment I can’t wait to come home. I know it’s not good mind thinking but it’s been a really rough week. I just want to sit down and talk with you. Please pray for me I feel like a really small child here and honestly I’m scared but I just need some help, and I know Gods willing and I’m working my hardest but I need help. Love you lots!!!!

Tender Mercies............Pictures from Trujillo!!

Dear McNamara Family,

Hola!  We wanted to let you know that your daughter arrived safely in Trujillo last night.  We are so excited to have her here.  We already love her and know that she will be a wonderful missionary.  She and her companion left this afternoon for their assigned area.  We have included a picture of her arrival, a picture of her at the mission home with us and a picture of her with her new companion.

Much love to you,

President and Sister Marble

Peru Trujillo North Mission

 

​

im alive!!!!

ok i have like 20 seconds!!! i just lettting you know im alive!!! i just met my trainor she is super nice and does not speak any english! oh well! ill be ok! i let you know about my last day next monday!!!!

Hermanan chaparro es mi companera!!!!1

What will this day be like? I wonder.

My heart is a little emotional tonight, thinking about Cassie leaving the MTC tomorrow (and her "safe little bubble") and heading to Trujillo! As I sat down to write her tonight this song popped in my head. She must be feeling a lot of these same emotions tonight. I am praying she has a good day tomorrow, and finds confidence and faith in her Heavenly Father who surely watches over her. The real adventure begins....

 

I Have Confidence Lyrics

Maria "The Sound of Music" Soundtrack

What will this day be like? I wonder.
What will my future be? I wonder.
It could be so exciting to be out in the world, to be free
My heart should be wildly rejoicing
Oh, what's the matter with me?
I've always longed for adventure
To do the things I've never dared
Now here I'm facing adventure
Then why am I so scared
A captain with seven children
What's so fearsome about that?
Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries
If I don't I just know I'll turn back
I must dream of the things I am seeking
I am seeking the courage I lack
The courage to serve them with reliance
Face my mistakes without defiance
Show them I'm worthy
And while I show them
I'll show me
So, let them bring on all their problems
I'll do better than my best
I have confidence they'll put me to the test
But I'll make them see I have confidence in me
Somehow I will impress them
I will be firm but kind
And all those children (Heaven bless them!)
They will look up to me
And mind me with each step I am more certain
Everything will turn out fine
I have confidence the world can all be mine
They'll have to agree I have confidence in me
I have confidence in sunshine
I have confidence in rain
I have confidence that spring will come again
Besides which you see I have confidence in me
Strength doesn't lie in numbers
Strength doesn't lie in wealth
Strength lies in nights of peaceful slumbers
When you wake up -- Wake Up!
It tells me all I trust I lead my heart to
All I trust becomes my own
I have confidence in confidence alone
(Oh help!)
I have confidence in confidence alone
Besides which you see I have confidence in me!

http://www.rnh.com/videos.html?video=109&gallery=170&vpg=7

King Noah moved 2 spots over!

Hola Familia!!!!
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
BBBBBIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHDDDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
MICHAEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Ok so hopefully this is my last written out letter. I’m hoping I will have more time to write out in the field!  Ok so quick information, I leave next Tuesday (July 12) for Trujillo!!!!! Holy Moly!!!! I think I have to be at the airport at 2:45 am not quite sure. I’ll get all that information on Sunday. I will email you sometime during that day, I’m not sure when but it won’t be Monday or Wednesday like usual. I do know I will not call at all. Also Mom I haven’t gotten the package yet but I did talk to Hermana Moore and she said that if I don’t get it by the time I leave the CCM she will have it sent up to me. She is also helping me order a dress for the temple so that it is long enough. Hermana Moore is the bomb.com 

My week has been a little bit boring there really hasn’t been anything exciting. I mean they moved all the pictures in the commador and King Noah is now 2 spots over. That was exciting.  The 4th of July the cooks made the Americanos hamburgers and fried chicken. And they made an American flag cake (that I couldn’t eat, but was very pretty) It was Awesome!!!! 

Ok so I have been feeling much better this week! After talking with Hermana Moore we decided to cut any type of dairy out of my diet completely (hence why I could not eat the cake) but it has already shown great effects. I still have small stomach aches but they are going away!!!! Also the cooks have been super nice, every meal they make food that doesn’t haven’t any milk in it and there is a lot of stuff they can make without milk so I’m not starving. I don’t get desserts as often but that is ok because I’m not gaining weight.  Actually because of the some of the workouts I’ve been doing I’ve actually lost some weight. 10 minutes planks are the bomb!!!!

Ok so quick spiritual thought then I’ll be done, there’s not really much else to say. Enduring to the end, we will have lots of times we can make excuses not to endure but true endurance is moving past those excuses. In Spanish endure to the end translates to persevere and I like that so much better! We are persevering to the end. Not enduring. Elder Mortenson one of our district leaders said “I don’t like the word endure, it sounds like we are just scraping along, I like persevering because it is taking what we have and going with it"

Love you All!!!!

Keep Persevering!!!!

Love Hermana McNamara

P.S.
Attached are the pictures of what me and Hermana Clarke call the Dr. Seuss trees.  Hashtag Thneedville!!!!!!

Tidbits from our Email “chat”

Tell Bostin “congrats on the tooth lost” for me!!!

She was asking how Hiro & Simba were doing: “I miss my cuddle buddy!!!! Like none other!!! It’s so weird there are so many dogs here in Peru and I can’t touch any of them. It’s ridiculous!!! Jk not really. I don’t want to touch half of them they are all manged and half of them are really really mean! Anyways hopefully I’ll get to see some soon!

The sisters idea of the Thneedville Bush  (Truffula Tree)  I have no idea what this bush is actually called. LOL

Their version of Foliage of a Truffula Tree.  I am not certain what this bush is actually called.

 

For those of you who haven't seen the Lorax (gasp!)  THIS is Thneedville and its trees.