Back to the ALB!

I miss El Paso so much, especially the sweet people, but I do love Albuquerque as well.  I was totally right about where I would go in Albuquerque. I am serving just north and east of my last area. Actually we live on fourth street. If you keep driving south on fourth you will get to my old area, where I started my mission. I still have a car…our area is huge! And the temple is in our area, it is so wonderful. We are so blessed.

My adorable companion, Hermana Monsalvo, is from Mexico and is teaching me so much. She just got done with training so I am kind of taking charge, but we are getting there. Last week was a very slow start, because we are in a branch and I didn’t really know anyone to call to come out with us, but this week I just decided to take charge and call everyone in the directory. We now have lots of members lined up.

Are you ready for the BEST part? Ana, my very first baptism in the mission and Isabel (and her family), and their younger brother (Jorge) who I also baptized literally just moved back into this branch! AND…they are BARELY in our area!  J  It is incredible! I can’t even describe what our reunion was like. My first night here we stopped by Isabel who is pregnant now (I am so happy and excited for her). She opened the door thinking it was her mom. She had just woken up and didn’t look at us. She just kind of had her eyes shut. Then she was sitting on the arm of the couch talking to us like we were her mom, when all of the sudden she opened her eyes and freaked out when she saw me!

Then we had Isabel call Ana to come over to, “bring her some bread.” I was hiding around the corner when she came in. When I came out it was the most epic reunion! J LOVE THOSE GIRLS! Isabel ended up feeding us and then Ana fed us that Saturday. They all came to church on Sunday. Ana came out with us Sunday night on some visits. Ana’s testimony made me bawl. It is such an amazing feeling to know that someone you helped baptized is still going strong. She talked about how this church lives the commandments perfectly (well we strive to) and that she like Joseph Smith was really confused at that age and wanted to know the truth.     

Just ignore the fact that I look horrible in this picture.  Long day.  Here are Ana, Isabel, and my new companion Hermana Monsalvo

 Our apartment is pretty nice. I am not going to say that it was clean in ANY way when I got here, but oh well. I have been little by little cleaning stuff up!  Throwing away stinky kitchen towels (Ash you know exactly what I mean). I have grown a strong sense for those now. Best part of the apartment is that we have a washer and dryer.

We are in a branch, and I love it! I already knew the branch president. He had made me a retainer when mine broke when I was here last time. Super sweet people! He is actually from Beaverton, Oregon which is where I believe Ash and Kurt live?

Guess what!  Sister Shaner (basically my cousin; we are claiming it) and I are in the same district!  YAY!

Well gotta get going! Need to go play some ball!
 I am missing lots of birthdays this week! My bestie Carson Duke turning 21! My friend Alex; Ash’s b-day this Thursday (love you Ash) and Nixon’s this week!  Hope I am not forgetting anyone! Sure love you all and will have more details next week!