Los Tres Ojos.

Ashley's Mission Email #49

How is everyone? This week has been a good one but honestly I don't really remember much of what happened. We´ve been really contacting lots. Finding people who want to have eternal families (everyone) and those who are willing to do what it takes to have that (unfortunately not everyone...but still lots!) The Family a Proclamation to the World is really the recipe for a happy family! Helaman 10:7 or Matthew 19:16.

This country still has me mind blown. My heart is definitely Dominican now. It STILL amazes me to see families who live in a house literally smaller than my bedroom, but have so much excitement and are completely willing to give up whatever they have for someone who has less.. Dominicans sure do know how to share. The gospel is truly all they need. I hope I can learn to live more like that.

Anyway I sure do know the church is true. And that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Elder Brother and Best Friend. I hope I can change enough to be worthy to live with Him and my Heavenly Father again.

Love you lots.

Hna Allen

Pescado!

Lots of fishes!

El puente. 

Welcome to Alma Rosa! 

Los Tres Ojos. 

We went to a National Park today called Los Tres Ojos. 

There are 4 little lakes inside this big cave underground. It's SUPER humid. 

Even worse than outside, but beautiful. 

Conozca a los Mormones.

Ashley's Mission Email #48

Happy Fathers Day!!

We had a ward activity this week and got to watch Meet the Mormons! So good! I loved it. It was cool to hear the story of the family in Costa Rica. It reminded me of one of my companions that was from there. One day I will visit that place! It looked so pretty. Anyway if you haven´t seen it. I highly recommend it but I´m sure you´ve all seen it because we´re a bit behind here.

Las familias pueden ser eternas. We found an awesome family with super potential yesterday. A couple and their 4 kids from 5 to 14 years old. The little girl asked what the rain is because she doesn´t believe that they are God's tears. SO CUTE! and the 14 year old asked why there is conflict between all the different religions because God is a God of love and wouldn´t want His children to fight. Smart kids. And it's so cool to know that the restored gospel has ALL the answers. I´ll keep you updated on the familia De La Cruz.

Well just remember that this church is true. Remember the talk from conference about asking yourself if it´s still wonderful to you. We should always be able to say... I stand all amazed. If it´s become a casual thing, rediscover the truths of the gospel, take some technology breaks and read the scriptures or try sharing the gospel with someone else. I´ve learned the last one´s a really good way of always remembering how amazing the gospel is.

Love you lots. Have a wonderful week!

Meet the Mormon's

Movie night isn't complete without popcorn and soda.

                                                                          Jemeles!
                                            We matched! This is the other Hermana Chan:)

Black and White!

Cloudy skies. It rained a bit yesterday. 

The House.

(Hermana Chan, Hermana Rancho, the other Hermana Chan and me.)

Sigue el Profeta!

Ashley's Mission Email #47

This week I’ve thought a lot about the prophet and how he’s so important. I found a talk about how the CHURCH is here to help us live the GOSPEL. That’s so true. We don’t follow a man when we choose to follow the prophet. We know that men, as in humans, can lead us astray. But who we follow is a man called of God. A man on the Lord’s errand so we follow our Heavenly Father when we choose to follow the prophet.

Another thing we have been focusing on as a mission is the temple. All roads of the gospel lead there. Baptism is a step and THAT’S why we are here. Not to baptize but to baptize and help them get to the temple. I’m SO glad to have the privilege of being sealed to my family. I know that’s a power that will not be broken with death as long as we live up to that promise. President Corbitt shared a revelation he had with us. That we are here to save the Dominican family. We are here to defend the proclamation that was put out in 1995   THE FAMILY.  I’m so glad to have a model to learn from in my family.

Iam and Javier's Baptism. 

We got Taco Bell today! I didn't realize how good that place is. Haha. Or maybe it's just been a while. 

                                             My wonderful companion! Hermanita Chan!

Ozama.

Ashley's Mission Email #46

Well I like it here in Alma Rosa! And now that I think of it, I remember that Brother Litke told me that he served here in Ozama when it was a branch and now it´s a stake. Pretty cool to see the church grow like that! This ward especially has a lot of potential and im excited to be here! But there´s been a little glitch this week. Hna Chan and I have been in a trio with Hna Rancho our hermana leader to cover our 2 areas. But it's been fun!

We had interviews with president yesterday and oh my, that man is inspired. He really is helping the mission improve like crazy.

Honestly I can´t remember right now what has happened this week other than saying bye to some wonderful people in El Dorado and meeting some wonderful people here. Oh and my comp Hna Chan is from Mexico! Hna Rancho as well. First companions from Mexico so thats cool! I´ve realized I´ve actually really missed spicy food. Haha

Love you all. 

Hna Allen.

The Diaz Family

Saying goodbye to Elaine. 

Me Voy!

Ashley's Mission Email #45

So transfer news... I will be leaving El Dorado. It’s sad because we started this area with literally nothing and now it is really close to a being a branch. But we don´t always get to see all the fruits of our labors, doesn´t mean they don´t count though. The hermanas coming in will do awesome, I know it. 

But I´m going to an area called Alma Rosa B in La Zona Ozama. It´s actually super close to my first area in Mendoza! President talked to me at our leaders meeting the other day and told me that he feels likes it’s my time to be released as hermana leader for now. One thing that I love about this mission is that president really focuses on how the title doesn´t make a good missionary. He says you can tell a good leader by how they work after they have been released. I have learned SO much as hermana leader and now I can´t wait to be able to put it all in practice. 

Oh and I got to be interviewed by Elder Zivic. The seventy of the Carribean area. It was such a cool experience. He just asked me about my family (by the way he said to tell you hi!) and about my experiences, obedience, the language, my weaknesses. But the best was when he asked if I had a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and if I could share it with him. Wow, it was really cool.

But hey, I love you guys and I KNOW this gospel is true and it works miracles in our life if we just live it.

Love

Hermana Allen

Hermana Leaders and Zone Leaders of the best zone ever Villa Mella!

Our little friend. I totally forgot about the visit we had this week. He didn't stay long. This guy was about the size of my fist and was just chillin under my desk. We killed it with the mop. 

Our mini Unbirthday Party.

Making fresh pomegranate juice. 

This is Frank Mena Pichardo. He reminds me of Zach in his personality. Unfortunately, I won't be here when his family gets baptized. But they are awesome. 

La Familia Aquino. Except for Nicolas, the dad. He had to work this Sunday.