LAST EMAIL

Dear all,

So I would like to write an extremely powerful and inspiring letter, but it will have to be very condensed. This is my last email that I will send you all as a missionary. This Wednesday I will return to Utah and be released as a full-time missionary.

I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams as I have served here in Puebla. I have loved so many people, taught so many lessons, and grown so much closer to my Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. I have a testimony stronger than ever. Although I will no longer be able to wear my missionary name tag, it will be forever engraved upon my heart.

I know this Church is true, I know God lives and that He loves us. We can return to live with Him and we will live Happily Ever After!

Goodbye Puebla, hello home!

Love,
Hermana Cheever

Happy Fall!

Dear all,

I don't know if you've noticed, but it's Fall now! I love this season and I am so excited to be here still in Mexico to enjoy one more week of it!

We didn't end up having the baptism yesterday that we planned, but hopefully it will be this upcoming weekend.

I am also looking forward to the women's conference this Saturday, and then the next Saturday, General Conference! What great opportunities we have.

My spiritual thought for you this week comes from 3 Nephi 22:10-17. Read it if you have a chance. I love the part that says "my kindness shall not depart from thee". The Lord always wants to bless us. He wants to help us. He loves us. He knows that no matter what trial or challenge we are having, if we trust in Him, we will be able to overcome it. Everything we do here on the earth prepares us to be celestial beings, fit to live with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and enjoy all Their blessings. So heads up, smiles on, we can get over anything with our Friends on our side.

Love,
Hermana Cheever

Temple Dedication!

Mexico City LDS Temple

Dear all, 

For those of you who don't know, the Mexico City, Mexico temple was rededicated yesterday, and from Puebla we were able to see the dedicatory session. It was so great and spiritual and probably the highlight of my week. Elder Holland spoke about the prophecy about Elijah turning the hearts of the children to the father. It was a good reminder that not only should we be doing our family history work, but we made a promise in the pre-existence to all our friends and family that wouldn't be born in the time when the gospel is here in its fullness to be their saviors. We can do the work for them in the Holy Temples and thereby become a key part in their salvation. In Doctrine and Covenants 128:15 it also says that the salvation of our dead is essential to our salvation. In short--do your family history work or you can't be saved.

We are planning a baptism for Jose this Sunday. Prayers on his behalf would be greatly appreciated.

Well, I hope you all have a fantastic week filled with spiritual experiences and lots of missionary work!

Love,
Hermana Cheever

SEPTEMBER

Dear all,
It is now September. Crazy how the time flies.

Things are going great here in Puebla. The food is great, the people are great, and I am great, too.

We are working with 4 people that we hope can be baptized this month, it's going to be a struggle, but we are going to see miracles with José, Martha, Felix, and Carlos!

On Sunday, my companion and I had a special experience. We were going to have a family night with a less-active family, and another family was going to go with us. When we got to their house, the other family was already there, and the dad of the family was the only one home, and he was just about to leave. We asked if we could just sing him a hymn and say a prayer. He accepted, and we sang "Nearer, My God, To Thee" and shared a simple scripture. He said the prayer, and started to cry and to thank God that He had sent us to share a simple message with him. He said it was just what he needed to hear.

I know that God uses us to answer others' prayers. I know that if we follow the promptings of the Spirit and show other people our love, we can make a difference in their lives. No matter how small, it counts!

Another great experience is that I could go and visit a convert from a past ward where I served. It was so great to see her and the progress she has made in the gospel, and the change the gospel has made in her life. I love being a missionary and I love serving the Lord. 

I hope that this week you can all find ways to be the answer to a prayer, a friend to someone in need, and get just that much closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Love,
Hermana Cheever

ps if you ever wondered what I do for fun on Mondays....WALMART