Hola Todos! How´s life? I hope you´re all doing well!

This week has been an emotional rollercoaster. Everyday is the same, but my emotions differ from day to day. Most the time I´m happy, but sometimes I still get super home sick. That is something I´m kinda struggling with right now, so just know that every single one of you is being missed and are very important to me!!

Being a missionary is the most surreal but exciting experience. I always think to myself, "Wow, I can´t believe I am an actual representative of Christ. When people look or think of me, they link my name with His." It makes me happy to think that when people will see me on the street they´ll automatically think about Jesus Christ. I am so blessed beyond belief.

Some things I learned this week:

1. Elder Cox loves to sing. Literally. It never stops.

2. Mexico stinks really bad

3. Hermana Jensen is one of the funniest people I know

4. I really miss memes

5. Hermana Austad is the best companion!

6. Spanish is hard

7. Birds like to use me as a bathroom

8. Mexico has these tiny little black and yellow bugs that are everywhere!

9. We like kickball

10. I can make chips out of toasted tortillas and salt. Yum

Some more questions my mom gave me to answer this week:

1- What has been your best experience so far in the CCM?

I have had tons of experiences in the MTC that are amazing. I love the spirit that I can feel here. I guess one of the cool things I have experienced is being able to feel the spirit wherever I go! It's incredible.

2- I bet your Spanish is 10 times better in only one week.  Is that true?  How is it going learning Spanish?

My spanish is definitely getting better! I can understand other missionaries and our teachers, but I cannot understand the ones who are already fluent. I soooo wish I could!

3-  Are you tired? 

Yep. No rest for the righteous!

4- Tell us about Hermanas Lopez and Jensen.  Where are they from?  (I loved the quotes you shared! Ha Ha!)

Hermana Lopez and Hermana Jensen are both from Oregon. They both went to BYUI at the same time as me, and we found out that we know some of the same people!!! It's a small world in the church, that's for sure! They are super funny and probably one of the best things about the CCM. I have so many funny quotes from both of them because they are hilarious!!

5- What gospel principle have you learned the most about this week? How will your teachings and testimony of that principle help someone in the DR?

I learned about being a stalwart missionary, really being the best you can to just study and follow the rules with exactness. One of my favorite experiences was when we read the story of the 2000 stripling warriors because I felt so close to those young men going into battle. I could relate because I am literally going into a spiritual battle once I leave the CCM. Hermana Austad and I both love the picture of the girl putting on armor because that's exactly what we feel like when we put on our tags each morning.

6- Is there anything you forgot to bring with you or wished that you had brought?  

Ummm not really. Maybe just a fan cuz it can get super hot during the day. Besides that I basically have everything I need!

Some fun quotes from the funny sisters...

Hermana Jensen: Their bromance inspires me.

Also hermana Jensen: *Tries to remember all the ninja turtles* Michaelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo.... Sistine Chapel?

I hope these pictures kind of explain my time here so far!! Enjoy them even though the quality isn't that great haha!

Have a great week and don't forget to remember Christ in some way. He loves you and wants to help you!!! I know this gospel is true and the Lord truly is my Light.

Love you all!!

Love, Hermana Mangum