A quick but delightsome photo tour

Well here we are again. The blog. 

Well I should probably start by saying that one of our investigators got baptized this week. She is incredible! Would it be incredibly lame to just take you on a picture tour of my week?....i don't hear any objections so let's begin! 

on your left we see dinner with a recent convert (and his family who refused to be in the picture)  

and straight ahead if you walk quickly you will catch a glimpse of the rare "baptism photo" in it's natural color of white. 

next we have a an hermana thomas in mint condition, with original accessories of spanish hymn book and flute.  

well. sorry folks, that is this week's snippit with the snippit of time I had left. love you all! 

-Hermana Thomas
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Time goes at inter-galactic-light-speed when you're teaching the gospel!

August 25, 2014

Seat belts, everyone! It feels like time is moving at warp speed now a days. You know the saying time flies when you're having fun?" well. Time goes inter-galactic-light-speed (reference-to-star-wars) when you're teaching the gospel. Wait, was that star trek? I don't know, I've been out of the world for too long to remember. (pun, pun.) 

Anyway. 

This week our lessons were pretty through-the-roof. We are gaining popularity here in the urban town of San Bernardino. We have people giving us dinner every single night of the week, and an investigator who insists on serving us lunch at least 4 times a week. Que Bendicion! (Translation: What a blessing!) We really believe that we are receiving blessings for our obedience. 

For all of you who are not familiar with the ins and outs of missions, there's this little thing affectionately known as the  "missionary handbook." It has all rules meticulously mentioned and covers everything from "arise at 6:30 A.M." to "stay within sight and sound of your companion." The first time I read the handbook I took a figurative (and possible literal, I don't know, it's been a while) step backward. “Whoa! Missionaries have a lot of rules!” Time and time again our leaders emphasize the importance of being "exactly obedient." For example, not getting up at 6:31. Not leaving our companion even for a minute. 

From the outside looking in, this may seem ridiculous or unnecessary. But the principle is that the Lord blesses us for our obedience. If we are exactly obedient we get all the blessings, and use our short time here on the mission wisely. If we let "little" things slide, we cheat ourselves of the blessings and growth we could have received. Being obedient we become people of character, discipline, and integrity. 

The commandments that God gives us are like our "human handbook." if we abide by the principles and are "exactly obedient" we are safe and able to feel the Holy Ghost. If we let the "little things" slide, we turn into people we wish we hadn't become. 

I urge you to be "exactly obedient" in the things of the Lord. Read your scriptures EVERY day. Pray SINCERELY. Keep the Sabbath day holy ALL day. I promise that the sacrifices are small, and the blessings are great.

I love this gospel of Jesus Christ with all my heart!  

-Hermana Thomas  

A happy frozen yogurt moment!

Too much fun in San B!

August 18, 2014

bum bum bum bum bum bum -da da da da da dadada duh duh. duh duh duh dada da da da duh duh. duh duh duh duh duh duh dada. duh duh duh dada duh. duh duh duh. 

did you get that? it's the song from the parent trap. the "new" one, although it was Lindsey Lohan pre-freak out which seems like it was a while ago. Wondering why I brought it up? glad you asked. I just found out this week that part of that movie was filmed in my area!!! evidence? ok ok here you go 

​here's the lake where one blonde step-mother-to-be may or may not have woken up on a floating air mattress. yep. I'm pretty much famous. 

Anyway. 

this week was exciting and adventure-filled. First of all, i had my very first "herbal life" shake. One of our investigators sells herbal life at her house. what's the proper term for that? distributor? that doesn't sound right. Where's google when you need him? Anyway, she invited us over to try the "breakfast" a.k.a. lots of herbal teas and such and then a shake. I must admit it was very delicious. The best part was meeting her friends and seeing how well she took care of them. Martha, our investigator, really cares about people taking care of their bodies. She is so sincere in her desire to heal. When we taught her the word of wisdom she bore her testimony that she already knew that it was true. She is amazing!

 also, we got to go to a boda (wedding). They got married on saturday, and the husband got baptized Sunday. 

 Probably my favorite Mexican wedding tradition is that the second dance of the evening (after that of the bride and groom) is for anyone to come up and dance with the newlyweds. They tape a dollar onto the bride's dress and then "cut in" and dance with either the bride or groom until the next person tapes a dollar. Such a fun idea! 

It was fun to have so many adventures this week and then top it all off with three baptisms in our ward! We just got news that Hermana McCartt and I are both staying in San Bernardino for the next transfer so I should be blogging about some miracles soon!

 Have the greatest week!  Much love, 

-Hermana Thomas 

The Water Oscars

August 11, 2014

Would you like a weight loss tip? (That random moment when your faithful blogging missionary becomes your dietitian). 

Drink water. 

Many times people think that they are "hungry" when in all reality; they are just missing some of that good, quality H2o. We eat and eat and eat and eat (I hope i am speaking for more people than just me here) and never feel fully satisfied because what our body is really craving is water. Water. Let’s talk about water. I love it. Lets actually turn this into the Water Oscars. (A bubblegum pink stage pops out with a cheesy swoopy-haired host and flashing lights.) The nominees for BEST WATER MOMENTS ARE:

1. When you are reeeeeeeeeally thirsty and for some reason haven't been able to access drinkable water. not just normal thirsty. We’re talking absolutely and utterly parched, sirs and madam! Your tongue feels sandy and desert-like and your throat is sandpaper. Then you somehow get a hold of cold, refreshing, bottled water. That first sip is like the fountain of life, and you gulp down the rest. 

2. When you've been running/biking/hiking/working in the garden/ camping/exerting ALL energy for a long period of time. It’s been hours or even days of living in crusted over sweat and filth. Your hair is plastered everywhere and your tight, sunburned skin has a layer of shiny. When you finally step into the shower and that sweet water rinses away all of the impurities. You feel completely clean and rejuvenated. Like a whole new person, able to enjoy the achy soreness of your workout in clean skin. 

3. When it's hot outside. It's been months since it's rained. All of the pollution and smog and smell of dumpster/cigarettes has not only infiltrated, but also been infused into the air. It's like living in a plastic container full of nastiness. And it just circulates, circulates into every breath you take. But then the rain comes. It’s just sprinkling at first but then it pours. A heavy, replenishing, renewing rain. It clears off all the heat from the pavement, sanitizes, and renews the city. The air is fresh and new, and you feel it too!

There are so many adjectives we can associate with water: Clean, pure, refreshing, rejuvenating. Is it any wonder that Jesus is considered the living water? 

Want a weight-of-your-sins loss tip? Turn more to the living water. Turn to Jesus Christ. Instead of filling your life with more and more junk and things that advertise themselves as the solution or happiness in a bottle, turn to the source that will REALLY quench your thirst for Joy. Christ said (John 4:13-14)

 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life  

He truly is what we are seeking for. Here is a picture of someone using water in the best way possible this week. Baptism! Enjoy the photos and this week; commit yourself to drink more deeply of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Much love,

Hermana Hope Thomas

McMission McMusings

 August 4, 2014

​let's play a game. who recognizes any of these toys? 

​ok what about this mascot? 

​a little before your time? let's try this one. (i like it because the plaque looks like a missionary tag)  

ok ok you guessed it. I'm at the site of the very first... 

​McDonalds!!!

Did you know that McDonalds was started in San Bernardino? I did not. Did you know that it used to be "McDonald's Barbeque?" I was oblivious. Did you know that the McDonald brothers sold it for 2.7 million dollars? I admit I was surprised. 

These are the kind of things you learn when walking the streets of Good old San B. 

I would just like you to know that I have started this blog about 7 times. I have honestly no idea what to say. So I will just tell you a story, and share a scripture. Interpret it as you will. 

This week we went to the house of a less active member of the church. She is very kind but is going through some really hard things at this point in her life. She has a few big decisions to make and stands at a critical crossroad. We invited her to start reading the scriptures and praying for guidance. we invited her to come to church. She responded that she would really like to, but with so many things going on, she didn't really know how much time she could devote to that. We pleaded with her to change the focus of her life and turn to the Savior. With so many problems and thoughts swirling around she said that she would try but we could hear the lack of commitment in her voice. We testified of the blessings we have received from putting the savior first in our own lives. we challenged her to take small steps to return. She said that she was going to wait until everything else resolved itself and THEN work on her relationship with God. When we left we heard her un-pause her netflix show.  

If you are going through something especially hard, or just the normal riggers of life, please don't focus so much on the problem that you overlook the solution. 

Matthew 11:28

 28 ¶Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I hope things are going well for you this week!

-Hermana Thomas 

New lessons from: The Blind leading the Blind

July 28, 2014

Isn't there a proverb or a saying or a scripture or a quote or moral of a story or a parable that talks about the blind leading the blind? I can't remember exactly what it was (get back to me in 3.5 months and I'll look it up for you.) but I think the gist was that if the blind led the blind then....it would be bad (Luke 6:39). I know, the eloquence of that last sentence was profound. 

Well. I would like to disprove that rumor. Lately, we have been doing a lot of service in the community and one of the things we have done is volunteer at a School for the Blind. It's a place where blind or legally blind people of any age can go and participate in activities like wood-shop, braille classes, cooking classes, and macramé (think 70's home decor.) They also get a free lunch every day at 12:00. 

Lunch is my favorite part of the day. The "students" are all sitting at one of 6 tables, when their table is called, they stand up, walk to the serving center, and pick up their prepared tray of food. They are all strongly encouraged to pick up their own tray, but many of them have no sight at all, and this is very difficult for them. This is when the others, the ones with just a shadow of sight, or those who have been blind for a longer time take the others by the arm and lead them to the serving area. It doesn't matter who they are, if they need assistance, one of the more able ones will lead them lovingly by their arm and help them pick up their food. 

Many times it becomes a chain of 3 or 4, all holding on to the other's shoulders, slowly making their way up to the front. They are all friends even though their ages, races, interests, and levels of wealth differ widely. They all bond and care for and look out for one another. 

How much easier would it be if we all recognized how blind WE are? We would help, lift, inspire, and bless one another instead of trying to compete, tear down, or judge. People often see this life as a competition. If you do well, then it lowers my standing. When, in reality we all have the same ultimate goal. We want to get back to our Father in Heaven and have eternal life. There aren't a limited amount of seats available, there is no bouncer at the door going to tell us that we aren't as good as someone else. The only person we will be judged against is our self. Why not help as many other people as we can, get there as well? And instead of focusing on our own problems, let us help others with theirs. Every person in that lunchroom is blind. But instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they use their limited abilities to bless others that are having an even harder time. Let us follow the council of our savior Jesus Christ, echoed by a living day prophet, Thomas S. Monson to love and serve one another. 

-Hermana Thomas 

On the way to the School for the Blind

Buddies!