Week 1: CCM

Not going to lie. This week was HARD. My companion is so much better than me at Spanish. She is almost fluent, and I´ve felt frustrated and discouraged every time I have attempted to teach a lesson, because I don´t know how to communicate to him! Although it´s been hard it has been AMAZING. I have seen the Lord´s blessings, I have felt His love, and I have amazingly learned a few words in Spanish. Also I memorized the invitation to be baptized, and the missionary purpose, all in one week! During my personal study this week I have focused on strength! It is amazing that throughout the Book of Mormon, the Lord strengthens His servants, so that they can accomplish the things which He commands them to do. As you well know, I do not pick up Spanish easily. This week has taught me to rely on the Lord. As I have done my part by devoting almost all my time to practicing, and drilling myself on phrases, scriptures, and words, the Lord has strengthened me. Everyday my testimony grows as I rely on the Lord, my Heavenly Father has asked me to learn Spanish, and you know what, that is EXACTLY what I am going to do!!!! (Also I have been doing all of my prayers (out loud) in Spanish! And during the second to last lesson I taught, I was able to look my investigator (Ivan Ruiz) in the eye, and bear my testimony of the Atonement!) The blessings are great here man! ;)

I love my district, and my companion is superb! We have had so many funny moments, but the spiritual ones are the experiences that I want to remember most. We often have discussions before our class time ends (9:30pm), we all bear our testimonies, or we talk about the blessing that we have seen during the day! Our district leader, Elder Chambers, is so in tune with the Spirit, it is crazy. Our whole district, minus my compañera Hermana Mortensen (New Jersey, Morristown), will be serving in Las Vegas! Look out Las Vegas, there are 11 huge spiritual powerhouses coming your way!

One message that stood out to me this week was during the devotional on Sunday. It was a rebroadcast from the MTC (Provo) Christmas fireside a few years ago. In it, Elder Bednar used the phrase, ¨"GET OVER YOURSELF. This work is NOT about YOU!!!" This was the message the Lord was sending me, because I was internally complaining about all the things that I could not do or say (in Spanish). I am so grateful that the Lord keeps me in my place! 

Another theme this week, was the importance of being CONVERTED unto the Lord. I have heard it so many times here at the CCM!!!! Being truly converted in a process, and as I have focused on learning more about my Savior Jesus Christ, I feel my testimony grow even stronger, and taking root in my heart! The church is not perfect, the people are not perfect, but Christ is perfect, and through Him we can be perfected and become worthy to enter into the Kingdom on God. 

There are so many other things that I want to write, but time does not allow me to write too much more! :( Also I have a ton of pictures to share,  but again not enough time to upload them all. I promise that before I leave the CCM, I will upload them and send them to yáll! 

Mexico is beautiful, the mountains are breathtaking, and the best part about being here is seeing the Lord´s work progressing! I have met tons of missionaries, who will be serving the Lord around the world. The Lord knows us, and He called each one of these missionaries to serve His beloved children! I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve my Father in Heaven.

Here is my challenge for you this week. Read in the Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 10-15 (or more if you want). I´ve been studying the Christ´s ministry in the Americas. I´ve been reading English and Spanish side by side, and it makes it so powerful. My most favorite part is when Christ takes the time to bless all the children! I cannot imagine how truly powerful that most have been. My next favorite part, is when He kneels down to pray to Heavenly Father on behalf of the people. It is written that it was so amazing that the words could not be written down. 

I have a testimony of the Gospel. I know that Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He loves us, He knows us, and He wants us to choose to follow Him. Remember to love one another, yet another lesson taught to me this week. I do not want to imagine going to the judgement bar and having to explain to my Heavenly Father that I could not follow one of the most simple commandments!!!! 

I love you all!!!! Please remember to pray for me! I always pray for you!!!!! I love you! Thank you so much for your love and support! I am seriously so blessed to have an amazing family and group of friends ever!!!

-Hermana Cordova <3