26 May 2014 - Happy Memorial Day!

Sooo I totally forgot that today is memorial day. Weird. haha. I can't believe that this time last year I was giving my farewell talk! I remember wondering what I'd be like a year from then. Well...now I know! I'm pura pinolera! That is another way to say Nicaragüense...haha.

Well, this week was interesting. Lots of ups and downs, but looking back, there were more ups than downs. We were able to find some positive people, so hopefully we're be able to find them in the future and help them help themselves! 

But we also had some rather disappointing experiences with investigators. There is a lot of apostasy going around in Diriomo! There are so many people who started out positive, that have decided not to recieve us. Which is sad, because they're rejecting the truth. I don't feel bad when people say mean things to me...I just feel bad for them! But I have learned to testify, no matter what they say, the Church will always be true. My comp told me that when I get frustrated, I don't shout or get frazzled, but my eyes get really intense. Haha. But I have learned to develop LOTS of patience. Patience is the ability to do God's will and accept his timing. I know that one day, these people will accept the gospel. But I also know that there are people who have been prepared to recieve this gospel in this time, and that's why I'm here. I've just gotta find them!

But we have also seen miracles this week. The Lord is preparing people for me to teach...and little by little He is helping me find them. I have no doubt that this is the Lord's work. He loves all of His children, which is why I'm here. He is letting me help him and in the process, He is strengthening my testimony and refining me. 

In other news...on Thursday, we went to Managua for a MultiZona. The only time I miss my first area is when I'm actually in Managua...haha. We were with 2 other zones. It was good. The theme was ''feed my sheep.'' I was chosen to be part of a 6 person choir...which was funny since up until that morning, I hadn't been able to sing because of my cold. Daily miracles! Pres. presented statistics from the year so far...and even though we have 70 less missionaries than we did last year, the mission is having WAY more success than it did last year. The Lord really is hastening His work. 

We're already onto week 5 in the training program! I can't even believe how fast the time is flying by. Changes are on June 11th, but I'm not at risk, since the training program lasts for 12 weeks! So i've got at least 2 more months in Diriomo! Yay! I really do like my area. It doesn't have as many commodities as my other areas had, such as some american brands, or a post office nearby, but it's nice. The park got an upgrade and got plastic playground equipment. The kids are going WILD! Nothing else too crazy is going on. 

So fun fact...during my first week here in Diriomo, there was a man who read my name and asked if I was related to John MacKay. And I was shocked...and then he said that John MacKay had run for US president a long time ago. Does dad have a secret past I don't know about? haha. Also, an investigator ended a lesson with a prayer and in his prayer, he asked God to bless Barack Obama. I was NOT expecting that one. He wants Pres Obama to grant visas to all latinos that want to enter the US. Interesting....haha.

Well, I am doing great! I love missionary work so much! I am still in denial that I turn a year this week. This time of my life has been so special and I'm grateful for the time I have had and the next 6 months that are coming up! Time is flying right on by. I can't even believe it. I feel like I still have 6 months in the mission, yet now I have 6 months left! How did that one happen? I love being a missionary. I love Nicaragua. I love life. I am so happy. Hna T and I are always smiling and laughing together...because life is just so good! Coming out to the mission was one of the best decisions I could've made. But it's not over yet! 

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints is the same church that Jesus Christ established when He was on the earth. His church was lost for a long time, but it was restored by a prophet that was called by our loving Heavenly Father. I love sharing this message so much! 

I hope you have a great week! Love you all!

Hermana MacKay

19 May 2014 - Mango Fever

Hi! I hope everything is going GREAT up north! I think it's funny that the weather is warming up...because the temperature hasn't changed much in the past...who knows how long. Hot hot hot! But I've noticed 2 things this week about this season.

1. That EVERYONE and their parrot is eating mangos. Our fridge is full of mangos right now

and 

2. Everyone (well...kinda) is dying. 

I'm thinking that there may be a correlation between the two. Mango fever? Who knows? Haha good thing I'm immune! 

But seriously, here when someone dies, the family pays someone with a truck and loud speakers to drive around the town announcing the death of their loved one to everyone and inviting them to their funeral. And it seems as though every day there are 3 death announcements! It's pretty sad...but funny...to hear all the announcements. 

But anyway...moving on...haha. This was a gooooooooood week! Because first of all,

G. WAS BAPTIZED!!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!!! The man who has been addicted to marijuana for over 10 years has completely turned over a new leaf. Since I met him, he has been fighting his addiction and he did it! He is so awesome! It has been so cool to see his progress, because at first, he kept making up excuses as to why he would give into temptation...but as we explained God's plan for him...and the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, he began to progress. The Atonement really does heal people. Christ suffered for every one of us so that we can repent and be clean from all impurity! It's amazing! G's countenance has completely changed. His family and friends don't really support him, but now he has a new family in the branch. He is so happy. And I'm happy for him! 

Saturday, the day of the baptisms, was pretty crazy though. The district (the 6 of us who work in the rama diriomo) had 8 baptisms total...and there was a wedding too! But in the end, everything worked out! Satan couldn't get in the way, even though he tried reaaal hard.

So i can't remember if i told you, but there is a nonmember family who has pretty much adopted us. They're this cute little elderly family that has always received the elders...and then we discovered them about a month ago. They're not too positive as far as teaching goes, but they are so sweet. Hno Gst said that he is my Nicaraguan dad. He's the one that wants me to marry his son. Awkward. But he always calls us his ''palomitas''...which means little doves. He's hilarious though. But he and his wife went to church this week! Honestly, i think they just went out of commitment, but you never know! 

We found a really positive family this week! We contacted them on the street and asked if we could visit them, and they said yes...so we stopped by the next day and the hna said she had been waiting for us! and then whenthe husband finished working, he came in...they were so excited to learn more! It's the best feeling to be able to teach someone that truly wants to learn more. They came to church this Sunday and seemed to like it...so we'll see how things progress! 

So to answer a few of your questions...

It still isn't raining every day, but rain is more common now. We got caught in the middle of a downpour on Wednesday. It was pretty hilarious. ALL the streets get flooded when it rains, but we were determined to make it to a cita, so we forged through...but then i almost lost my shoes in mud that was basically quicksand. It's times like those that I wish I had a mental camara that could take pictures of instances like that. Good times. Although I never put much stock into the whole ''dont get wet or else you'll get sick'' thing. But it actually applies to me now. Bummer. The rain cools things off...when it's raining...but after it stops, all the steam rises and makes it even hotter. It's a strange concept.

The rama is pretty big. Asistence is usually around 105 people...the room gets packed by the end of the meeting. The crazy thing is that the majority of the people there are converts who were baptized within the past 5 years. There's a huge lack of priesthood holders so that we can make diriomo into a ward...but we're getting there!

Zone meetings are 2 times a change...usually the week before changes and one other time during the change. They're good...although it's a bummer that the church that we meet in is far away from diriomo. There are only 4 hnas in my entire zone! District meetings are good. I forgot to say that I had to teach district meeting a week or 2 ago. Hna B had been assigned, but as she had changes, it passed over to me. But it worked out alright. I talked about how we have to testify when we teach. It went well...I'll probably have to teach more often now, because our district is small and 3 of the missionaries are newbies..haha.

I think that answers your questions. This week as been a fulfilling week as we've come home exhausted every night. It really is true that there is nothing better than going to bed knowing you've worked your hardest. I love this work so much! 

I love you all and hope you have a wonderful week!

Love,

Hna MacKay

12 May 2014 - Holaaaaaaaaaa!

Well, it was great to be able to talk to you all! I wish I could've heard a little better, but beggars can't be choosers! It was awesome. Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I hope it ended well!

So this week wasn't too crazy. Nothing really happened. We're working hard with G to help him kick his addiction. But he's doing great! He loves church and is excited to be baptized! He is so excited to be completely clean...that's what he keeps telling us. I'm SO excited for him as well. Just gotta keep his spirit up!

This week, one of our investigators, J, FINALLY went to church. AND she loved it. She saw the pila outside and said that she would be baptized one day. She's awesome. Last week I was pretty hard on her (but the Spirit was still there!)...she didn't go to church last week after commiting to go..and she was sad because she hadn't sold a single thing in her store that day...and I told her it was because she hadn't gone to church. And it helped her realize what was most important! haha.

It has been so hot lately! I try wearing my glasses, but the light just reflects into my eyes...the liiiiiiiiiiight! It burns! haha. It rained reaaaaally hard when we were at a cita with G last night. Between the rain pounding on the metal roof and the catholic party going on next door, I didn't hear much during that lesson. I just kept sharing scriptures with G and made him read them...haha.

So you asked about the food last night but i didn't really answer. Well, the food doesn't vary much here. Half of the plate is always covered with beans and rice...and then the other half is a ''salad'' of cucumbers or shredded lettuce with lemon juice...or avocados...and then there's usually some kind of meat...usually chicken. But we just eat meat because we pay someone to cook for us. Typical Nica meals don't require meat. I've learned to really appreciate freshpicked mangos. They're SO good! I love them. Also, I now am addicted to avocados with just a pinch of salt..or lemon juice. SO good! I love fresh food! So glad I grew out of my ''i hate vegetables streak''. 

Well, that's about it for now! I know that this church is true, which is why I'm in Nicaragua working my hardest to help everyone here understand the importance of how the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored hoy en dia. It's the best! I love this Gospel so much and am so grateful that Heavenly Father loves us enough to bless us with the truth. It's amazing!

Love you!

Hermana MacKay

5 May 2014 - The stork dropped by...

Hey!!! Happy 5 de mayo...oh wait...I'm not in Mexico. It doesn't count...haha. Anyway, this was a pretty cool week...definitely different!

Changes happened. And Hermana B is now in Rivas.

And the stork dropped by...my hija!!!! I'm training! At the changes meeting, I went up to meet all the new hermanas, who were sitting in the front row...and it turns out that one of them is from El Salvador...and knows Hermana R (my trainer!) And since I've had a bit of a streak with Salvadoreñas, I knew she would be my companion. And...when they called up the trainers to the front and announced who our hijos would be, surely enough, I received Hermana T from Sonsonate, El Salvador!!!

She is absolutely adorable. She is 19 yrs old and is a convert of 1.5 years. She is so excited to be here...and I'm so happy to have her! She is amazing...and fearless. On her first night, we were going to a cita with a new investigator and I asked her if she had learned how to invite people to be baptized and she said yes.And I asked her if should would invite the investigator to be baptized...and she looked at me kind of worried and was like...ok...haha. But she did and did a GREAT job! I was so proud! It's really cool because since she is a convert,she has extra insight that helps alot in the mission work. She will do AMAZING things in her mission. And I'm excited to help her progress! It's pretty funny because she expects me to tell her everything she needs to do...and I forget that, since I'm not a huge demanding person...but we'll figure it out! Haha.

Today, we went to a laguna...and it turned into a crazy hike! It was gorgeous...and I finally saw monkeys in Nicaragua in the wild! Yay! It was fun to get to know the zone better. And it was quite the workout! Nicaragua really is a beautiful country! Land of water and volcanoes!

In other news...G wasn't baptized this weekend because of some slight issues with a certain commandment, but he announced in the Gospel Principles class that he is going to be baptized this Saturday! Awesome! So hopefully everything works out! All in the Lord's timing. But we are visiting him constantly to make sure he feels supported.

We have been visiting a LOT of people with financial problems...it makes me really sad. They have little houses made of something they call ''sink'', which is like scrap metal...and what the sink doesnt cover, they wrap it with black plasticbag material. These people are SO humble. But it seems as though this time of the year hasn't been to kind on them. We have a few investigators who can't even buy their rice and beans...which cost about 20 cordobas a week. That's less than a dollar! While we can't help them financially,we are doing our best to help them spiritually. And it has been making a huge difference. Really, it doesn't matter if you're rich or poor...the gospel can give you the happiness and hope that you need. And these people need it DESPERATELY! So here we are, doing our best to help everyone understand that when you put God first, miracles happen. And I don't have a single doubt about that. I can't wait for these people to be able to see the miracles that come from their sacrifices to acercarse a Dios.(I honestly can't think of the phrase in English...you'll have to google translate it.)

We actually had an activity the other day and watched The Other Side of Heaven with a ton of investigadors from our district. We watched it outside, using the branch's projector and we shined it onto a plastic background in an investigator's backyard. It was pretty funny comparing my mission to that of Elder Groberg. They are definitely different,but at the same time, they're surprisingly similar. Just I haven't had any crazy storms...and the people are a little more receptive. I really do love Nicaragua. I know that I've been called to serve in this area of the world because there are people that need me here. And I need them! I love what I'm doing here!

Well, I'm excited to talk to you on Sunday! It'll be great! I love you all! Have an awesome week and I'll talk to you soon!!

Love, 

Hermana MacKay

28 April 2014 - Tut tut, looks like rain...

Hi!! I hope everything is going great! I'm doing well...exhausted, but happy. I wouldn't want it any other way. There's a quote in preach my gospel that i've been living by recently...and my mission pres. actually quoted it in his weekly email, so I'm gonna copy paste it...you'll just have to translate it into english...it says Quiere ser feliz? Olvídese de si mismo y piérdase en esta gran causa. Dedique sus esfuerzos a ayudar a la gente…Viva en un plano más alto, fortalezca a los de rodillas debilitadas y levante a los de brazos caídos. Viva el evangelio de Jesucristo”. PME Pag. 182´

It's the truth. I've felt the most joy in the mission when I've worked the hardest, because the Lord always sees our efforts and sends miracles, no matter how small they may be. It's a good life...haha. 

This week has been pretty lowkey compared to the past few weeks. We have been looking hard for positive investigators...but at least the ones who have gone to church (3 of them) are excited to progress! G could potentially be baptized this week...he's pretty excited! He has changed so much! We had to beg him and practically push him (with the elders' help) into the classes after sacrament meeting, but in the end, he loved it! Sometimes, you have to show people what they want, because otherwise, they'll never take risks and experience the thousands of blessings available for them.

We ate dinner at the home of members last Tuesday...they are from Utah, but are Nicaraguense. Their house made me so trunky! And the weird thing is that it's just a standard house in the US, but it seemed huge to me! And there's a girl from Kaysville visiting her abuelita there...she told me they have heated showers. Oh man. Haven't heard of one of those in 11 months...haha. But even though we were in American culture, I still ate like a Nicaraguan...and everyone made fun of me. So we may have some problems there when I get home...prepare yourselves. Who needs forks and knives anyway? Spoons and hands are more than enough! 

Last Monday, we had a FHE with a part member family...and for the activity, we dyed easter eggs with a kit that Hna B had brought. The family was so confused as to what we were trying to get them to do,but the hard-boiled eggs are still on their table as a centerpiece. I tried to explain that they would rot, but they didn't want to listen to me...haha. 

It rained for the first time in at least 5 months yesterday...the rainy season starts in May, so here it comes! Apparently the streets here get pretty bad. Great. Oh well! The people have been scurrying around to fix up their houses before the rain comes...it's kind of like squirrels collecting nuts for the winter! But in this case,they're making sure the plastic walls don't have holes and that the scrap metal roofs won't cave in. So sad.

So cambios are this week...this transfer passed by so quickly! We'll get the call tomorrow to find out if we have changes. We probably will, since Pres. told me we wouldn't be together for very long, but who knows? If we stay together, there is more I need to learn from Hna B, and if not...bring on companion number 7 and possibly area number 4! We shall see! But I'm not too worried about it.

It sounds like you've had a fun week with family! Tell everyone hi for me! Se que este evangelio es verdadero, y aunque la mision es la cosa mas dificil que he hecho en mi vida, me ENCANTA estar aqui! 

Les quiero mucho!

Hermana MacKay

21 April 2014 - Popular.. we're gonna be popular...

Heyyyyyyyy! So im writing later because we had a district activity that went a little late. But here I am! and once again, it was a crazy week. Happy Semana Santa! I'm honestly glad it's over, because there were soooo many borrachos out and about. And lots of Catholic processions. Let's just say that there were a lot of extremes. Haha. We had to fight to get into the church building...well, the house where we have meetings...because a catholic procession had stopped RIGHT in front of it and they were all silently praying...I just wanted to get to district meeting on time! haha. This week, I realized that pretty much everyone recognizes us...and I felt pretty popular. Then I realized...we're not popular...just notorious. Haha.

But yeah! Good week! We got fried by the sun. Like an egg on the sidewalk. I thought my neck was as brown as it could possibly get...but I was WRONG. Because it got burnt again. Yet my face is still pretty white. I'm gonna have the most awkward tan when I get home...haha.

But while Diriomo burned us, we BURNED UP Diriomo. Seriously. We are working so hard. It's awesome. Socio told us that he had randomly talked to a friend who isn't a member of the church that lives in my area...and his friend told socio that ''those gringuitas are all over the place. They seem to have more energy than the latinas who had been here before.'' haha. Pretty cool. There's just so much to be done! It's true that everyone notices us, even if they have never talked to us before. That's why we have to act like representatives of Christ ALWAYS. But we are definitely seeing the fruits of our work. Socio has connections with the entire mission...and his sources tell him that our district is the best district in the mission...no bias there. Apparently all the leaders have their eyes on Diriomo to see how it does. But we really are having so much success. Although it's not us...it's just that the Lord has prepared a ton of people to accept the Gospel in this time period. It's amazing to see how the lord is putting people in our path. We always have those investigators that decide to dump us, which is always heartbreaking, but then we find people who are 100x more positive.

So one of the fruits of our labor this week is that...R and his daughter J were baptized on Saturday! Yet another surprise baptism! I feel like we've been playing phone tag with them for the past 2 weeks...but without phones. R has been ready to be baptized for a long time, but he kept disappearing the day before his supposed baptism. Apparently my ZL had contacted him 2 yrs ago. Crazy. And with Socio's help, R and his 13 yr old daughter were able to enter the waters of baptism this week. They were confirmed the next day. So awesome. R has come a long way. So happy for him! I loveeeeeeeeeeeee seeing the changes that people make to be able to follow the Savior's example. Conversion is something that comes with time...and it's hard to see it happen to yourself, but when you're watching it in someone else, it truly is an AMAZING transformation.

More good news is that G, who I think I mentioned last week, is progressing sooo well! He hasn't touched marijuana since we taught him about the word of wisdom. At first he was worried about it and had to lock himself in his house to avoid the temptations, but the other day when we taught him, he was absolutely giddy because he had passed all his friends and they offered him alcohol...among other things...and he said no and walked away...and his friends respected him. He is so great. He went to church this week again, so he is definitely doing great!

I really love how working hard makes time disappear. I remember in the beginning of my mission, time just dragged. Days never seemed to end. But with a smile and a song, everything gets better. Life is so good. I can't believe that 11 months is coming up. How is that possible? I can't decide if that's exciting or sad. Somewhere in between. I definitely am not wishing my mission away. I'm happy here. I'm more than happy here, actually.

Well, I'm glad that everything went well this week, with the talks and everything! And Karen's Prom..and everything else! Here's to another great week! Love you all!

Love,

Hna MacKay

(Posted and edited by her Mom)

14 April 2014 - Shaking things up.. literally...

Hey! So this was a preeeeeeeetty crazy week. But it was good! Lots of surprises.

So Hermana B and I are working hard! And we're definitely seeing the results! Hna B is from Parker, Colorado...which she said is part of Mark's mission! She's still working on getting back into the swing of things, but she's starting to get used to Nicaraguan life again. I kind of forgot I live in a third-world country until she pointed it out...haha. Everything seems so normal! But we don't get lost as much. The hardest part is finding where the members live so we can get to know them...but little by little.

I don't have too many new insights on Diriomo...it's a pretty small area, but the houses are all reaallly stuck together. Front yards...and backyards...don't exist here. But it's nice because it means that there are a lot of people here. We didn't work with socio too much this week, but it's pretty funny because EVERYBODY knows him. He's practically a full time missionary.

So I've learned how to be way more bold when I teach. I think I've mentioned the word machetear before...which literally means cut with a machete...but in missionary terms it means we machete them with words. It's been hard to learn how to do it...but when you are direct with people, but show them that you love them and want to help them, it really helps. I guess it's kind of like parenting...though I wouldn't really know...haha. One day, we were teaching C and A...A is a less active and C is his...girlfriend...and they live together. C has wanted to be baptized for a while, but doesn't want to get married...so on Wednesday, I was REALLY clear about the law of chastity...it was super cool because the Spirit was really helping me out. I was whipping out scriptures left and right...and it finally helped C understand. Anddddddd she said she wanted to be baptized and that she would move out and go with her mom. I kind of feel like a homewrecker...but it's better!

Soooooooo that meant that C was baptized this weekend! But oh man...it was the craziest baptism I've ever attended. When C was about to step into the font (it's outdoors), she froze and started convulsing....and then ran into the chapel. We chased after her and she was shaking and crying and saying that there was an evil spirit telling her not to do it...and A came and kept telling her to ´´ reprend the evil spirit!´´ and oh man..it was crazy. We were seriously staring at her thinking that she was possessed....So we said a prayer and a few minutes she calmed down enough to say that she still needed to be baptized before she changed her mind again, so she hurried to the font and the hermano that was going to baptize her looked SO confused, because she was still shaking and was begging him to baptize her fast, so he finally did...and when she came out of the water with a totally different countenance! It was amazing to see the difference. The first thing she said was ''i'm FREE!'' It was pretty cool after the shock of what had just happened wore off. Then when we brought her to church the next day, she was busy massaging someone (she's a massage therapist) and said she was almost done, so we waited...and waited...and waited. We arrived to church about 10 min before it ended...but oh my goodness. What a weekend.

So that was interesting. So the earthquakes were also pretty fun. No damage in my area. We were on a bus when the first one hit, so we didn't feel anything, but we felt the 6.6 one on Friday. We were outside someone's house contacting and all of a sudden, the ground started moving and I was like...´´hey, is the ground moving?´´  and indeed it was...haha. It lasted for a minute or two, but nothing too drastic. The guy we were contacting looked at us really weird...What can I say? The true gospel shakes the world! haha.

This week is called semana Santa...which is pretty much full of celebrations up until Easter Sunday. Lots of Catholic processions....lots of tourists...and lots of HEAT! My eyelids are even burnt. It's so hot! And we walk under the sun in the hottest parts of the day. I probably drink about 5 bottles of water a day and STILL feel thirsty. I actually never feel hungry. Just thirsty. It's times like these that I'd give anything to have a blender and be able to make milk shakes all day...haha.

Well, that's it for now! I know that this gospel is true and that it changes lives! I met another investigator who reminds me SO much of A from Managua. Addiction ruins lives, but through the Atonement, everyone can be healed. So let operation help heal G begin! haha. I am so grateful for the Atonement. I know that it heals and helps us have more hope for the future. We are never alone.

Have an awesome week! Happy Easter! Good luck with your easter talks!

Love,

Hermana MacKay

(Posted and edited by her Mom)