with love, sister hileman: Set backs can't get us down!

My oh my another week gone by!

This week was catch-up from the crazy 4th of July Weekend. It set us back a bit, but then this week started and we got "set back" a few more times by new road-blocks. We volunteered to redo a bedroom for Jordy. We planned on it taking about 5 hours, but it took the entire day. From 10AM-8PM we were at those walls scraping and scrubbing and taping and painting. I can't believe it took so long. We didn't even stop for any breaks to eat or anything! As soon as we finished we ran home and I packed some things before heading down to Bellerica, MA where we swapped companions for the next 24 hours! I spent the day in Mass and Sister Lewis took the reigns here in Nashua. She did an AMAZING JOB. One upset came when she found out that our long-time investigator, Patricia, doesn't feel the spirit when she reads the Book of Mormon. Sister Lewis handled the day like a champ and I was so excited to come home and get back to work after about 6 days of chaos. We hit the ground running and although we weren't able to see everyone we had hoped to, we were able to do a lot of good.

So, this email isn't very planned out or organized. Neither was last week's, and nor will next week's or the week after that!

I don't think I'm anxious to come home. I don't think that I'm sad. I don't think that I'm getting lazy. I don't think that I think too much. But lately when I sit down to write anything down whether it be in an email or a letter of my journal, all I seem to be able to do is slap down as much detail as I can about the days. I guess I don't want to forget anything but I know that too much happens to really record it all. I'll tell you something really neat!

In February plans for the new spanish group were finalizing. The first week of March marked the first sacrament meeting as a newly established congregation! That Friday we met one-on-one with the Stake President to discuss two callings that we believed would help the group to grow. One of them we eventually gave up on because we were having such a difficult time getting anything pushed through. So we put all of our focus on getting a Group Mission Leader; someone who could represent the spanish group at church meetings, reports, and also someone to simply hold us missionaries accountable for the work that we needed to be doing. The assignment to extend a calling bounced around between the two wards that the group covers before, finally, last Sunday we were assigned our very one Group Mission Leader!!! I truthfully thought I wouldn't live to see the day. Finally, after months of pushing and praying, we have our team. We're ready to work hand in hand with him and move things forward!

People don't come to church, and that seems to be one of the more disappointing things. But somehow the spirit is stronger and stronger regardless of the attendance count. I know that the Lord see's us down here frantically running around and doing all we can to grow this group. Yesterday I was reminded of just how aware He is of our efforts. My companion gave an incredible talk, all in spanish, with nothing but bullet points. She abhors this task, and we were given no time to prepare our thoughts or words beforehand. She put all fear aside and not only that, she spoke with confidence and power. She was positive, and happy, and had a smile on her face. She gave me confidence that the Lord is preparing all of the people here to accomplish his work. The members are some of the best I know. The Bishop's are full of love and laughter and kindness. The people we meet are welcoming and friendly (for the most part) and we absolutely love serving them!

I guess the round-house kick of what I learned this week was how much God is aware of our individual needs. One thing I look forward to post-mission is being able to help others to those specific needs. There is so much that we as missionaries can't do because of time restrictions or other responsibilities. I can't wait to offer my helping hand in any way needed. I know that as a trade, I will be losing the responsibility and blessing of being a teacher and disciple of Christ. For that, I am continuing to do all that I can before that trade does happen!

I love you all so very much!!!

I hope you laugh everyday. You can be sure that I do. Boy, do I have stories for you!