La Maria Huerra

Last night, we went to the meeting (Bible Study, Ministry School and Service Meeting), and I met some wonderful new people…including Liz’s mommy and her two other sisters Jared and Caroline. I’ll get you a picture probably next week. Everyone is so friendly and I met several sisters who were planning to be in service today. That made things a lot less scary for me! So on the way home, Liz gave me very specific directions. Not only that, but she wrote it all down when we got home so I was sure to not get lost. Oh yeah, and I got phone numbers from several sisters…just in case, not that it was possible for me to get lost at that point. When we got back to Visalia, we stopped to get some junk food, went home and made a service schedule for Liz. I think she’s going to Auxiliary Pioneer next month!

This morning I went in service in Woodlake because Liz had to work. I worked with Nancy (a regular pioneer), Mercedes (an auxiliary pioneer), and a sister named Zulema. First off, we went to a Panaderia, since Woodlake is like a little Mexico. Then we went to a funeral. I know, strange. I was confused, but it turned out that Mercedes studies with a girl who is somehow related to the woman who passed away. It was so emotional, even though I didn’t know any of the people there. As we were standing there in the cemetery, all I could think about was the immense pain these poor people were in and how they must’ve been feeling. “This is why we do what we do,” I thought. A tear came to my eye as I thought about how the truth about Jehovah is their only chance for happiness.

As we were leaving the cemetery, there were a group of people we talked to and one of the women said something to me that I didn’t understand. Afterward Nancy told me that the woman had thought I was the Virgin Mary! Of course, we were all very baffled by this, but apparently Mary was white, blonde and blue-eyed. Anyway, after that we went to a return visit and when we were getting back into the car, we saw some men at the corner wearing suits. Of course, my first thought is “Mormons!” But as they approach, one asks me if I know anyone in the area who is deaf or hard of hearing. What are the chances?? So I signed to him that I am learning sign but am only visiting from Idaho. At this point, I’m positive these guys are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and all doubt is removed when the one brother (Alex) asked us if we were also Jehovah’s Witnesses. The sisters know of a mute man and direct them to his house.

The drive between Visalia and Woodlake is gorgeous. I’m told this time of year is the perfect time to visit because everything is blooming and it’s not too hot or too cold. You can see rolling hills of green grass all around town with a perfect backdrop of snow-covered mountains. The rural roads follow farms with orange and other fruit trees. This really is beautiful!

It’s been a really long day. We’ve been preparing for our trip to Monterey, which begins tomorrow at 7am. Liz, Sandra and I also went shopping at Michael’s (another crafting fanatic!) and also Target. Right now, I’m hoping I’ll be able to wake up in the morning. I should’ve known I would be too excited to sleep while I’m here! Love you…


Katie