"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!" (December 5, 2016)

This is Elise's last mission email.  She sent it in Spanish, so we had to use Google Translator to understand it all.  Hope it makes sense.  

"Y ahora bien, amados hermanos míos, esta es la senda; y no hay otro camino, ni nombre dado debajo del cielo por el cual el hombre pueda salvarse en el reino de Dios. Y ahora bien, he aquí, esta es la doctrina de Cristo, y la única y verdadera doctrina del Padre, y del Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo, que son un Dios, sin fin.  Amén.”  2 Nephi 31:21

Yo sé que esta es la iglesia verdadera de Jesucristo.  Se que José Smith fue el profeta escogito para restaurar los poderes necesarios del sacerdocio otra vez a la tierra. Sé que por medio de este poder, podemos tener familias eternas.  Es la parte mas bonita del evangelio!  Se que somos hijos de un Padre amoroso. El nos ha dado todo para que seamos felices y que regresemos a su presencia despues de esta vida.  Sé que Jesucristo es mi Salvador y Rendentor.  El es la luz y vida del mundo.  El pago por mis pecados, sufrio por mis sufrimientos, Dolores, afliciones, enfermedades, todo!  Es mi Hermano mayor. Mi major amigo.  El camina a mi lado cada dia.  Lo sé.  Lo siento.  Nunca me deja sola.  Sé que solomente por medio de El podemos ilegarse a nuestro Padre.  Sé que el Libro de Mormon es verdadero.  Sé que fue escrito por nosotros hoy en dia para guiarno y server como nuestra brujula al camino correcto.  Si que la obra historia familiar es una obra divina de amor.  Sé que para llegar a la vida eternal, tenemos que ayudar nuestros antepasados tambien.  Sé que el unico lugar donde pademos hacer esta obra ese n el templo.  El templo es tan bonito y tan especial!  Amo mucho el templo!  Hay un espiritu alli que no se encuentra por otro lado.  Amo ser misionera, amo esta obra, y amo a mi Padre Celestial.  Lle visto tantos Milagros y tiernas misericondias.  Lle visto y le sentido de la realidad de la expiacion.  No puedo explicar el valor que tiene mi mission.  Siempre estaré agradecida a mi Dios por dejarme trabajar en su vina y conocer sus hijos preciosos aqui en Perú.  Soy cambiada para siempre.  Sé que estas cosas son verdaderas y solo son una partecita de mis sentimientos y testimonio.  Lo comparto en el nombre de Jesucristo.  Amen.

Con Mucho Amor, 

Hermana Elise Joyner

“And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.”  2 Nephi 31:21

I know that this is the true church of Jesus Christ. I know Joseph Smith was the prophet-elect to restore the necessary priesthood power again to earth. I know that through this power, we can have eternal families. It is the most beautiful part of the gospel! I know that we are children of a loving Father. He has given us everything so that we may be happy and return to His presence after this life. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. He is the light and life of the world. He paid for my sins, suffered for my sufferings, pains, afflictions, diseases, everything! He's my older brother. My best friend. He walks beside me every day. I know. I feel it. He never leaves me alone. I know that only through Him can we become acquainted with our Father. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know it was written for us today to guide and serve as our compass to the right path. I know that family history work is a divine work of love. I know that to reach eternal life, we have to help our ancestors as well. I know that the only place where we can do this work is the temple. The temple is so beautiful and so special! I love the temple very much! There is a spirit there that is not found elsewhere. I love being a missionary, I love this work, and I love my Heavenly Father. I have seen so many miracles and tender mercies. I have seen and felt the reality of the atonement. I cannot explain the value of my mission. I will always be grateful to my God for letting me work in his vineyard and meet his precious children here in Peru. I am changed forever. I know these things are true and are only a part of my feelings and testimony. I share it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

With Much Love, 

Sister Elise Joyner

ILUMINA AL MUNDO! [Light the World!] (November 28, 2016)

Thanksgiving Dinner

Hi family! It's Monday again! I don't know where this week went! Too fast for the likes of me!

Thanksgiving came and went! We spent the day being extra thankful for lots of things. And then on Friday, our pensionista, Hna Kathy made us a Thanksgiving meal. She's super cute! And her little boys and adorable too! They run across the street when they see us so that they can tell us hi. 

Friday, we started our Christmas music! EVERYDAY ALL DAY!!!! CHRISTMAS!!!! We had a leadership meeting last week, and they presented the Christmas video to us and the initiative. I AM SO EXCITED!!! It's such an awesome idea. 25 days, 25 ways to serve others, 25 ways to be more like our Savior. Will you do it? I will! Look at the link I put at the end of my email and see how you can get started. Dec 1 is a worldwide service day. GO FORTH AND SERVE!!!! YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!!!

I'm out of time... I know... every week. I promise a really good email next week!  

Have a good week!

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!

Hermana Elise Joyner

https://www.mormon.org/?cid=HP_FR_25-11-2016_dMIS_fmorg_xLIDyL1-A_ 

My life is a gift, my life has a plan... (November 21, 2016)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!  Here’s to the third one I’ll pass in the mission (you know, because I celebrated it twice last year).  We’ve got big plans!  Here’s a funny story I forgot to tell you last week.  One night in Cañete, we came home and it was my day to have the keys.  So I go and open the door and my comps saw a kitten outside our door, so they started playing with it while I went in the house.  All of a sudden, I hear a scream from outside.  Hermana Russell, “Hermana Joyner, a rat just ran into our house!”  Are you kidding me?! My comps come running in and I grab a bowl and join them.  They look at me and Hermana Pereyra says, “What are you going to do with that?”  “I’m gonna catch the rat.” “Bahahahah! Hermana Joyner, we said ‘cat’ not ‘rat’”. So, the baby cat ran into our room and kept running beneath beds and I have a video of us trying to catch it.  But in the end, who was the winner?  SOY YO!!! I caught the cat.  HIGH-FIVE SISTER JOYNER!  I just love those two wacky sisters.  Anyway, like I said last week, I had cambios to Villa Maria del Triunfo.  I made it back to Lima one last time.  It’s about 15 minutes away from San Juan and from the Mission Office, is about 30-40 minutes (I think, I haven’t tried yet but San Juan, it was 15-20 minutes, so I just added a little time).  

I’m still doing that family history thing.  My companions and I are actually starting the program here in our Zone.  They did it before but they travelled all the way to the Sisters in San Juan.  Now we are bringing it back here.  So this past week was awesome!  So many miracles!  First, off, the barrio Union is AWESOME!  All of the members are super excited to have sisters here.  It’s been like 5 years or more since Hermanas have been in this ward.  Everyone wants to accompany us and introduce us to their friends and the Bishop and Ward Mission Leader are great and our pensionista is just the cutest with her little kids.  God had led us to so many people who have been really excited to receive us.  

Here’s a fun story.  I had to move houses for the second time in my mission.  This time, we just let the Elderes do it while we sat outside and watched the car while they went up and down the stairs.  Alex, as I said last time, CLEAN YOUR HOUSE!!!  But, we are place now and our pensionista lives down stairs and brings us food sometimes.  I like food.  Fun fact, there is a hill in our area where almost all the new converts live that is like 350 stairs.  Guess where they live.  Stairs numbs 315-350.  It’s just so Peruvian and I love it!  It will keep me workin’ hard till the end!  

So this past few weeks, I’ve been working on Christ-like attributes.  This past week was paciencia (patience) and this week is humility.  As I was studying those two yesterday and today, I found a scripture in the Bible that talks about how from tribulacion (tribulation) comes paciencia which is followed by hope which is followed by faith which is followed by knowledge which helps you progress and grow.  So then that brought me back to 2 Nefi (Nephi): 2:11 and how opposicion (opposition) is necesario (necessary) in all things.  We are here to learn and to grow and the way that it happens sometimes is by passing through the refiner’s fire.  We had a brother accompany us to a lesson with a new investigator who has passed through some really tough stuff.  He talked about diamonds.  They start out an ugly rock, but as it takes more hits and beatings by the Maker’s hand, the rough edges start to fall away and take form into a priceless jewel.  But without the tribulacion, it could never get there.  Just a fun thought for ya!

Well, I don’t have time to write much more.  Just know that I love you SOOO MUCH! And I’ll be gettin’ a real big hug ready soon… (but not too soon…).  Have a great week and TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY!  

Love,

Hermana Elise Joyner

A mighty CHANGE of heart... or area...! (November 15, 2016)

Well, to start off, sorry for the lack of a letter last week. Sometimes, there is just no time. I don't know how but there just isn't.

Secondly, transfers came and went! And I went with them! It was quite the surprise because we thought that Hna Russell was gonna leave because she had been there 3 transfers already. Well we got the call, and I am opening an area in Villa Maria with Hermana Ybañez from Argentina and... HERMANA WINWARD!!!! My CCM comp! Another trio! But this time a trio makes sense since I am leaving before the cambio. We went around and met members yesterday and a few investigators. They are so excited to have sisters! It will be a good 4 weeks. There is a lot of potential here!

Here is a funny story for you. Last week we were on an intercambio and Hna Nielsen came with us while Hna Russell went with her comp. Hna Pereyra is still not doing too good, so in the middle of the day we had to go back to the house for a while so she could rest. It was really hot so we opened all the windows, but the wind shut the door to the room with the bathroom and shut and locked it. We spent 30 minutes trying to pick the lock, and then finally the landlord just jumped out the window of our third story room and jumped in through the window with the door and unlocked it. It was super funny and just like it would happen to us.

Out of time! 

LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!!!!

Hermana Elise Joyner

"There's change comin once and for all"- name that song! and show! (November 7, 2016)

Mormon 9:27-28

Cambios next week!

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Hermana Elise Joyner

Exodus 15:22 (October 31, 2016)

Oh, hey!  So I know I didn’t send a letter last week.  I just got really excited for all my world travel pics!  Anyway, let’s see what I can share for this past week.  Let’s just say it was a little crazy… We started out with no water for 5 days.  YAY!  It was actually just a funny Peruvian experience that makes me laugh.  Especially because it’s not the first time nor the last.  Shall we just say that I was super excited to take a shower after that…  In the midst of our lack of water, our compañera Hermana Pereyra got pretty sick so she’s been in the house since last Monday and Hermana Russell and I took turns going out with members.  It was really weird.  I kept turning around to look for my companions.  

On Wednesday, while I was playing nurse to Hermana Pereyra, we were sitting in our chairs playing a card game when everything started to move.  I’ve felt little temblores (tremors) here and there my whole mission, but this one was a lot stronger.  It was funny because it was the first one Hermana Pereyra has even felt in her life so she started freaking out and running around the house and then after it ended, she started praying for another one because it was really “fun”.  She’s a character!  On Thursday, we couldn’t find a sister to go out with one of us, so we all had to stay in.  Well, about halfway through the day, the power went out in Cañeta.  It was fine until it started to get dark.  We pulled out our flashlights and started playing card games (not easy without the light).  Then we stared out the window and watched the people try to make their way around without street lights (there’s a surprising number of people who can’t do it…hahahaha….).  It was an interesting night.  The lights finally came back at 10:15 pm, just in time for bed…  But there wasn’t water…  

On Saturday, Hermana Pereyra and I had (as Hermana McGinn called it) our “Big Day Out”.  I took her to the doctor in Lima.  The best part is that across from the hospital is a McDonalds…  It was a really good lunch…for me at least.  She couldn’t eat anything.  We’re only about 2 hours from Lima.  It’s a little different than my overnight bus ride.  

So another crazy story from this past week.  Our pensionista’s (maid) husband is a “meat man”.  I don’t know how to call it really in English, but he sells meat for a living. (she means butcher)  So she always gives us random parts of things.  Livers, stomachs, who knows what.  This past week, she stepped up the game, and as Dad says, she went to ‘a whole ‘nother level!”  She gave Hermana Russell and I our plates (Pereyra being too sick to eat it) and we started eating.  We took a couple of bites and Hermana Russell says to me, “I feel like we are just eating fat.”  We asked our pensionista what it was and so casually she states “cow utter”.  I have officially eaten the utter of a cow.  I will say that it’s better than the stomach.  Oh, only in Peru!  

So, tomorrow is Noviembre.  AHHH!  Que CRAZY!  I don’t know how I feel about that.  Where did Octobre even go?  We just got started with it!  Oh yeah…  HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  Eat something pumpkin for me.  

Let’s get spiritual for a moment.  I’ve been listening to the song that the choir sang at the last conference, “Take Time to Be Holy.”  How often do we take time to be holy?  To just sit and feel the spirit and receive revelation.  That was something that I thought a lot about this past week as I’ve been in the house.  I took time to turn the music off, sit in my chair, and just think.  It’s amazing what can happen when you do so.  My invitation to you this week is to find (and if you can’t find, take) time to be holy.  And then note the difference your life is after the week.  Something different will happen because it happened to me.  Well, that’s about all I got for you this week!  Hopefully my companion will get better soon so we can leave the 3 of us again.  I really love our little trio!  It’s just a fun group.  So, LOVE YOU LOTS and hope that you have a great first week of November (ahhh..)!

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Hermana Elise Joyner

(no letter, just pictures) (October 24, 2016)

Miracles happen every day! (October 17, 2016)

I don't have time to write an email but here is my miracle of the week!

"Miracle of the week! This is something small but for me was a real miracle. We are teaching a family and another investigator with fecha that live in the same passage way. In that passageway, there is a GIANT dog that always attacks us and wants to eat me. On Saturday, we had an important lesson with the two families, but when we went, the dog was sitting in the entrance impiding us from entering. I said a specific prayer in my heart and sent my companion to the dog. She walked up to it and then passed it. Then my other companion walked up to it and passed it. Then I walked up to it and passed it and we were able to have our lessons and set a marrage date. When we went to leave, we did it in the same way. After the last of us passed the dog, it started barking and running to attack us, but we were already outside. I know that if we say specific prayers, our Heavenly Father will answer us will specific answers. He is there to protect and guide us."

 LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!!!!

Hermana Elise Joyner

Take Time to be Holy (October 10, 2016)

OK, dear loved ones.  I’ve not had time to write or really do anything because we’ve been busy.  I’ll try to scratch out what I can now.

Lomo Saltado

Esperanza

So the week before (last week in Ayacucho), we headed down to Lima for leader’s council.  It wasn’t as fun this time because the temple is closed.  When we got back, we had that morning to do service, so we went over to Magali’s house and she taught us how to make Lomo Saltado and I made my birthday cake.  So I made the cake and took it out of the oven and it smelled super good and looked super good and I was super excited.  After it cooled, I went to take it out of the pan and it wouldn’t come out.  I almost had it, but then my companion came and shook it really hard and the cake fell and crumbled out. So in my baking expertise, I took the super liquidy frosting (which still tasted yummy) and make a chocolate cake mountain!  It still had the same test, the form was just a little different.  IT WAS SOOO GOOD!!!  But I can’t eat super sweet things like I could before in the U.S.  Peru has changed my sweetness tolerance.  But it was fun to be able to bake again.  

Farewell to Ayacucho

And then General Conference!  Oh I just love General Conference.  It’s just a spiritual feast all weekend long.  I got permission to watch it in English, so it was me and 4 Elders.  I was in the back with my snacks and they were up front with their snacks.  Oh the things I do to watch conference in English.  And then that night, we got the transfer calls.  Saddest call ever.  I’m excited to be here in Cañeta but I’m so sad to have left Ayacucho.  That place and the people really have a special spot in my heart!  Anyway, I spent the night packing (worst part of transfers) and then 6:30 rolled around and I woke up for my BIRTHDAY!!  It was such a good birthday.  We watched conference and listened to the prophet’s voice, had a picnic outside of the church, ate birthday pie thing, ran around saying goodbye to everyone, ate chicken with the Bishop’s family, and watched a special video that was sent to me for my B-day.  THANKS FOR THE VIDEO AND THE B-DAY WISHES!!  The other sisters got a kick out of the pics you chose.  “That was you?” “Yup, that was me!”  And I the little touch of the Pippin song you threw in there.  I just rolled my eyes and then started singing along.  Thanks Mom and Dad and everyone!  Nighttime came along and we were running around getting the suitcases and running to the bus stop.  When we got there, a ton of people from the ward showed up to send me off.  It was so sweet.  I’m gonna miss them.  I traveled on the bus for the 13th and last time.  That part I will never miss.  

Companions with Diana

Now I am here in San Vincente.  Our area is HUGE and so diverse.  It’s like farm land mixed with sand hills mixed with beach towns mixed with humble mixed with little bit wealthier mixed with who knows what else!  It’s awesome though and has really big potential.  We even had a baptism this last Saturday.  Her name is Diana.  I only taught her like twice but she is sweet and seems like she really had her conversion.  So, I am in a trio!  Hermana Russell and I were in the CCM (MTC) together and we are with Hermana Pereyra from Uruguay.  They were companions before and I’m just joining them.  They are really fun and hard workers.  We get along well.  And it’s fun to have a gringa companion… Last week we had two more sisters staying with us because they didn’t have a house.  Five sisters in one house is a lot.  So we would go out on divisions everyday.  We finally worked in our own trio for the first time on Friday when they moved out.  Here’s a fun fact!  Here in our house, we lose water all the time.  One time, we went two day without it.  And there isn’t hot water.  But you get used to it:).  

Hermana Pereyra, Russell, & Joyner

This past week I had a bit of a cold.  It was funny because by Saturday, my comps started to get it too, and they planned for us to sing at the baptism.  It was the funniest little choir!  Three sick sisters without voices singing Primary songs.  I wish I had a recording of that!  Here in Cañeta, we are still the sisters of family history and I’m still the Family History leader in the mission.  I feel like that may follow me until the end.  AHHH!!!  It’s fine; I’m learning a ton with this responsibility and getting that Spirit of Elias a little bit more each time.  I have really come to love family history here in the mission!  DO IT!  Find your names!  GO TO THE TEMPLE!  I just love the temple.  It’s a special place.  Take advantage of the closeness you have to the temple.  Especially if you live down the street from it…Dayne…  Ok, I’m out of time but I want to ask you a question.  What are you doing to apply what you learned in Conference?  How have you been changed by the Spirit you felt?  Find a way to come closer to your Savior this week.  Have a great week!  I LOVE YOU!!!

Hermana Elise Joyner

(no subject) (October 4, 2016)

I have no time so here are pics and I will write a letter about last week and my b-day for the next week. Thanks for all the birthday wishes!!!

Yes, I got transferred. I'm now in San Vicente, Cañete with my companion....s...... TRIO!!! Still doing the family hist thing.

I LOVE YOU!!!!

Hermana Elise Joyner

The Doctrine of Christ (Sept. 26, 2016)

Did you see the Women's session of General Conference this past weekend? I did! It was awesome! I just love conference! I convinced one of the sisters to come to the room of family history and I watched it in English on one computer and she watched it in Spanish on the other one. It was super nice of her. It's different to hear the talks in the individual voices and with their own words. I loved how they focused on the Doctrine of Christ. A lot of the other conferences have been women pep talks about how great and important we are (which I like as well), but I loved how they got down to the fundamentals! STUDY THE DOCTRINE! LEARN THE DOCTRINE! LIVE THE DOCTRINE! You have no idea what power will come into your life if you do so. "And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." (2 Nefi 31:21)

Just to say before I forget, next week are cambios! There is a pretty good chance that me voy. It makes me sad because I really do love my Ayacucho but I'll also be good to go and find and meet new people. And then there is also a chance that I stay here... who knows! If I go, I leave Sunday night and get to my area on Monday.

Today, we get to travel again. LIMA HERE I COME!!! We have leadership council. Only this time, the temple is closed so we won't be able to go.  

Alma 1:25

25 Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.

I love the words used here. Steadfast. Immovable. Patience the persecution. What power these words have! If we apply these words, we can stand fast in the faith. We can apply what President Uchtdorf taught us this past weekend, we can find the last door on the fourth floor. I just love it!!!

I'm out of time, but I hope that you all enjoy conference and find answers to your questions (I KNOW you will!)!!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Hermana Elise Joyner

CONFERENCIA!!!!! (September 19, 2016)

Lots of conferences! Last Friday, President came to Ayacucho for a Unizona (bc we are so far from everyone else, we can't do multizonas). Yesterday, we had stake conference. A 70 came and spoke. It was super good and interesting. He chose to speak on out of the box topics. This Saturday is women's conference. Seeing as I am the only English speaker this time around in my zone, I will have the privilege of watching it in Spanish... And then in two weeks... GENERAL CONFERENCIA!!!!!!! I am so pumped! I love General Conferencia. It's just a weekend of spiritual feasts!!!! PUMPED!!!!!!

Funny story! We were teaching a mom and her less active teenage son. We were seated on mattresses on the floor teaching a really spiritual lesson. In the middle of hte less, hte son looked at me and said very calmly, "Hermana Joyner, there is a giant spider crawling towards you." I turned my head and the biggest spider that i have ever seen started coming at me. My comp jumped up and ran across the room screaming, and I take off my shoe and just start whacking the thing until it died. It didn't go easily, I'll tell ya that one. It was super funny and the kid was just rolling on the floor laughing. Oh the things that happen in the mission! Seriously, A GIANT SPIDER!!!!

PONDERIZE!!!!

Mosiah 2:41

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven,that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

I love the blessings promised here! Blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual. God will care for us in all things if we keep His commandments. He has prepared a never-ending happiness for us. What are you willing to do to reach it?

That's all I have time for today. I hope you have a fantastic week and find a way to put the Savior first in your lives.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Hermana Elise Joyner

I The Lord Am Bound When Ye Do What I Say (Sept. 12, 2016)

Hi family! I hope you all had a grand week!

When you lose a game to a 9 year old!

This past week was interesting. To start out, we had visitors with us for about a week. The new sisters in Ayacucho had to move houses, so they came and stayed with us. And then one of the sisters had to travel to Lima, so her comp stayed with us too. 5 sisters in a teeny-tiny apartment. It was crazy. I don’t recommend it…

On Thursday, we went to help a brother move stuff he had stored in a warehouse up 4 flights of stairs. It was super fun but super tiring. We made a line winding up the stairs and we were throwing giant packs of things from one floor to another. Let’s just say that my arms were sore after that one. I love doing service!

Snippet from Pres letters: "Miracle of the week! Yesterday, we visited with one of our investigators, Denis. We have been visiting with him for a while, and before us, he had meet with the elders and had almost all the lessons. When we invited him to be baptized in the first lesson, he said yes but on April 30, 2017. We tried to put a goal for this year, but he stubbornly rejected. Yesterday when we visited, we taught the Plan of Salvation. As he learned more and more about what we need to do to gain eternal life, he stopped the lesson and said “ Me voy a bautizarme este año. Podemos fijar otra meta?” Well of course Denis! He shared with us how the plan made sense to him and how he has felt a change little by little in his behavior. He said that sometimes he doesn’t want to go to church but something inside of him tells him that he has to. He said that he would usually go out on the weeks with his friends and drink and go to clubs, but now he has no desire to do anything of the sort. We’ve really seen a change and progress in him. I know that as the people that we teach gain a stronger testimony, they will be converted to the gospel and be changed by the spirit."

Ponderize!

Alma 37:16-17

16 But if ye keep the commandments of God, and do with these things which are sacred according to that which the Lord doth command you, (for you must appeal unto the Lord for all things whatsoever ye must do with them) behold, no power of earth or hell can take them from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his words.

 17 For he will fulfil all his promises which he shall make unto you, for he has fulfilled his promises which he has made unto our fathers.

This scripture made me think in D&C 82:10. I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise. He is BOUND when we are obedient to the commandments. "No power of earth or hell can take them from you." There is nothing that can separate us from the blessings when we are obedient. I like how in 16, it calls the blessings "things which are sacred." What we receive from God is sacred. Sometimes, we dont recognize all that He has given us or everything that is from Him. But as we open our eyes and pay more attention, we can receive more and be satisified with what we have.

Next scripture! Mosiah 2:41.

I hope you all have a great week and find ways to notice the tender mercies in your lives. 

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!

Hermana Elise Joyner

I just love the temple! (Sept. 5, 2016)

What a crazy week! 

We started out by traveling to Lima for the lider meeting. What I love about it is that after the meeting we get to go to the temple... I love the temple!  And there is a subway right by the temple, so we get to buy lots of cookies... ;-)

Pres letter- "Miracle of the week! My miracle from the week comes from one of our 15 MA. He is a young man named Nelson. When we first started visiting him, he didn't want to leave his room. We had to talk to him for 15 to convince him to listen for 10 minutes. As we have visited him more and more, he has become more receptive. We went to visit him last night, and he was a completely different person. He was asking real questions and when he prayed, he actually talked to his Heavenly Father. Before he didnt take anything seriously. Now, he has the desire to learn. He willingly participates and wants to increase his faith. I know that as we work with this 15, our Father with touch the hearts of these people and help them on their way back to Him."

Ponderize!

Ether 12:27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

I love this scripture and this chapter in Éter. "My grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me." This makes me think in the talk from Brad Wilcox about the Grace of God. I love his analogy with piano lessons. Look it up! Read it! I know and have felt His grace so many times in my life and my mission. It's real!

I've been thinking a lot of the Sabbath Day and how to sanctify it. I think that before my mission, I didn't really do that great of a job with this. I didn't buy stuff or do sports or anything like that, but as I've learned here in the mission, it's more than that. It's doing things that bring us closer to our Father and Savior ALL day long. It's moving forward the work of the Lord and helping His children. It's a day where we can rest from our daily labors and work spiritually. Not just sit on the couch and watch TV until you fall asleep in the afternoon, but do family history, watch church movies, visit people, spend time as a family. I don't know, there are lots of things we can do! Here's you challenge for this week! Find a way you can make the Sabbath different and then do it!

I'm out of time now, but I love you lots! Have a great week!

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Hermana Elise Joyner

(No Subject) (August 29, 2016)

Monday is here again! This week was super fast. We helped the new sisters get settled into their area a little bit. We are now 6 sisters here in Ayacucho, yo being the only gringa. Guess whose Spanish is about to get really good! MINE!!!! Hahahaha, it's fun, the only other zone that I had like this was exactly a year ago in my first zone. Woah.

Ana & Elise

Here's a little miracle moment for you! This past Friday, another ward had a baptism, so we invited our investigator Jimmy (who is getting baptized next Saturday) to attend and see how it is. The baptism started late, and Jimmy told us that he was on his way from work. We sang, we prayed, we listened to the talks, and no Jimmy. We went into the room with the pila (font) and they started the prayer. During the prayer, I heard someone run in behind me and I thought it was the elders who were just outside. They perform the baptism, and I turn around and there is Jimmy! He made it in time for the ordinance! I just started laughing and it was like "Oh hey! Welcome to the baptism!" It was super funny but just a miracle that he ran in just in time for the most important part. God knows what he is doing!

So today, Hna Martos (the new hna lider) and I travel to Lima for concilio de lideres. What does that mean??? MAÑANA TEMPLO!!!! I'm pumped. I love the temple! I love that we get to go to the temple so often. Technically, it's not in our mission bounds, but we are so close that yeah. Perks of being a lider from Ayacucho! The only downside would have to be the bus ride. I just don't do well with that. It's like 10 hours of just rocking back and forth up and down. I think that everyone needs to experience it at least once in their lives. 

This past week, we went to do service with Hermana Magali and her daughter Ana who got baptized a little while ago. We cleaned her house and then she taught us how to make ahí de gallina. It's super good! It's like that chicken sauce that you make, mom, with the noodles, but this is Peruvian and you eat it with rice (of course) and potatoes. And then I made peach cobbler because peaches are a favorite fruit of everyone here. It was fun and I sent you pics.

Well, I am out of time! I hope you have a super rockin week!

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Hermana Elise Joyner   

Peach Cobbler!

All in His timing (August 23, 2016)

TRANSFERS!!!! Except for us. Hna Calderon and I are still here in Garcilazo for our 3rd transfer together. I think I forgot to mention cambios last week... sorry!

This week was a mix of fun emotions! Happiness, sadness, and SUPRESAS!

Let's start with sadness. For the first time in my mission an investigator has dropped me. Rosario (the single mom with the two kids) told us that she doesn't have any time and doesn't want to be baptized. I felt like someone was breaking up with me. I've come to love her and her family so much, that it just makes me so sad that she and her family don't want part of the gospel. I know that they will come to their time when they will be ready but I just wish that I could be here to see it. All in the Lord's timing and His hands!

Supresa next! We went to the baptism of the other sisters this last Friday. They had prepared and sang a few musical numbers while Hna Stodtmeister played the guitar. When they had finished, Stodt said "We have one number mas. Hna Joyner, come here!" What. Huh? She called me up on the spot to sing while she played the guitar. It was fine but also really funny because it was just a spur of the moment, "oh hna Joyner is here she should sing", type of deal. Not the first time it's happened if you know what I mean...

Happiness! We have an investigator named Jimmy. He's been more or less lately, but we found him again last week. He went on a trip to Lima where he discovered that he has an uncle that is a member. They went to the temple together and had a "Come to Christ" moment. He is super excited about the gospel and just wants to be baptized! We are working hard with him so that he can overcome a few addictions and be firm and fiel in the gospel. 

I feel like I had more things to tell you but I don't remember right now because I left my other agenda at home. Whoops!

I am so glad that I get to stay here in Ayacucho! I feel like there is still so much work here for me to do and people to find. I feel like I have more of a connection here than in the other areas in my mission. God really does prepare people for each one of us to find. I know that He loves all of His children and wants them to come back to Him in their own time. 

I hope you have a great week and find a way to come closer to the Savior.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Hermana Elise Joyner  

Anything Can Happen If You Let It (August 15, 2016)

This week was pretty awesome!

First of all, little Anna (12 yrs old) got baptized on Saturday and we rescued her mom and her two older brothers. Everything went well and smooth (after we jumped over the few obstacles that always come right when the baptism is about to happen). She got baptized, and there was such a special spirit in the room when they performed the ordinance. The water was super cold (especially aqui in ayacucho) so when she entered the font, all we could here was "Oooo, ahhh, oh, frio! Obispo! Frio!" It was too funny! Poor kid, she did it though! Hermana Stodtmeister played the guitar, and I and my comp and her comp sang the hymn about Joseph Smith's prayer (I don't remember what it is called in english) to the tune of Come Thou Fount. I'll try to obtain one of the grabaciones that someone took.

From Pres letter- "Miracle of the week! This past Saturday we baptized the youngest child of a family that we rescued, the Familia Huaman. The dad, however, has been super cold in the whole process and escapes every time we go to visit. On Saturday, he was present for the baptism of his daughter, Anna. After the ordinance, Anna and her mom gave their testimonies. Then we gave time to Crisostomo (the dad) to bear his testimony. He stood up and bore his testimony about the spirit he felt, the importance of staying true to the gospel, and the correctness of the decision that Anna took. It was a miracle! The wall that he has had broke down as he let the spirit enter his heart. After the baptism, I was able to talk with him a little more and get to know him. We then were able to set up an appointment to go visit him this week. I know that the Lord provides a way and a time to help all of His children come back to the fold, even the hardest hearts."

Funny story! On Friday, we were walking around, and it started to thunder and lighting and sprinkle a few drops here or there for like 20 min. I was ready for the rain but it just wasn't coming. I made a comment to my comp, "If it is gonna thunder, just rain already! I don't want just a few drops here or there for all the noise it's making!" I should've just kept my mouth shut because God answered my comments with giants balls of hail mixed with rain. It was so funny! But that stuff hurts too! I learned my lesson about complaining. 

Thanks all I got time for for today! I hope you all have a great week! Think of something you can do differently this week to make the Savior the center of your thoughts.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Hermana Elise Joyner

Sé que Él vive.

Cleaning Day in Ayacucho!

That one time the other sisters in the zone forgot their key in their house so they had to come and stay with us and I had to pump up the air mattress with a hand pump. PJ Party!