***If this ends up being shorter, we're heading to Albuquerque today for exchanges..... we're at a different library and were told we only get 20 minutes! I'll type fast!!!! Sorry if there aren't any pics this week! :)

First off..... Steph! Thank you so much for the Cd's! We love them!!!! I've really come to learn on a mission how much music affects you.  It really humbled me! Thank you!!!

I love you and am praying for you.

The first song we listened to was Temporary Home, by Carrie Underwood.  I remember how much it impressed me months ago at Sister McDermed's funeral.  But listening to it now really leveled me.  It really helped me to see that this really is just a stop, on the way to where we're going.  :) We'll all be on the other side together..... and the end isn't the end.

How are you my amazing family?!?! :) I love you all so much!!! How is life going? I know it's busy! But keep taking it easy and taking it in!!! :)

I finished reading D&C this morning, and section 138 really stuck out to me and has left me feeling different this morning.  It talks so much of the spirit world, and a verse that stuck out to me spoke about choice spirits chosen to serve as missionaries in the spirit world.  I couldn't help but remember Chris Dorius.  That was all so long ago it feels like a dream.

His example still stands out to me.  I was overwhelmed with just feeling he is doing this same work on the other side.  I KNOW that when Christ comes again, he will have the chance to have and raise a family, and be with them forever.  But I know, for now, he is just serving an extended mission.  I admire his strength.  I know Grandpa and Grandma Gardner are excellent missionaries over there, using the strong testimonies they gained in this life.  How neat to be serving along side prophets of old in this great work.  I am so proud of those working on the other side of the veil and am honored to know them.

I have come to gain a strong firm faith and testimony in the plan of salvation. 

I KNOW this isn't it.

This is just one stop on the way to where we're going and we need to make the most of it.  I can't wait for the day when we are all at our destination peacefully together on the otherside.  :) What an incredible thing to look forward to.

This week has been incredible!

Estrella will be baptized this sunday!!! :) I am SO very excited for her.  It's such a neat feeling to have seen someones progression from start to finish.  To truly be a tool in the Lord's hand. I love that girl and she will be a friend for life! She has been so strong! And truly let this be a conversion in her life! I am so proud of her!!! I am amazed at her testimony! She has overcome so much.  She's 18 yet she's stronger than most adults I know.  She truly is applying this and letting it change her life.  She's been through a lot.  I am so excited for her.  Last night we were able to meet with her and plan all her last preparations.... to reconfirm on the power of baptism. I am so proud of her.  I love her.

We have been blessed with working with SO many incredible people this week!! I cannot believe how much our lessons have changed as we've strived for exact obedience and perfect diligence.  We've truly learned to work with the spirit and we literally can't keep up with the work!!! We have SO many incredible investigators we are working with on changing their lives and all of them are progressing down the path!!! There are just plain TOO many good people in Santa Fe!!! :) haha.  What an incredible blessing!! I PRAY I have more time here.  I love this place.  It's become a part of me and I love these people.  I hardly want to come up for air! I just want to spend my life serving them!!!

I love you all and I want you to know your savior LIVES and he LOVES you. 

I LOVE YOU.
I am running out of time so I'll send this quick.

Please know you are in my prayers.

Se fuerte.

Hey Hey Hey amazing family!!!!

I hope you all had an aboslutely amazing day!!!!!!! :) You are all constantly in my prayers and I know the rough river is polishing you all.  You are stronger better people than the family I left and I am so glad to be a part of you. 

It's been a long hard GOOD week here in Santa Fe!

It's been FREEZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not exactly sure as to the whole situation, but there have been black outs and gas outages all over Texas and Santa Fe lately.  They ran out of natural gas or something.  And it's just so happened to be the coldest week here since the 90's.  FREEZING.  We've had to leave all our water running to keep pipes from freezing and we've learned how to bundle up! Than, you SOO much for the warm clothes... they've helped so much.  Now I know why they eat so much hot food here..... it makes you feel warm even when you're not.  :) Our Jalepenos have been put to good use this week.... never thought I'd like to snack on them..... ha.  How we change. 

It's been a neat opportunity to see our stake and branch unify in the crisis though.  Of helping each other stay warm and stay strengthened. 

Our investigators are progressing trememdously this week.  Estrella is going to be baptized so soon!!! I am SO excited for her! She will be a lifelong friend! Her family is so closely following.  I am amazed at the miracle and it's been so incredible to see her testimony grow over the past few months.  She is so strong.  So good. 

A large miracle this week has been Miguel Angel.  He is such a sweet man.  His daughters are our age and live with him.  Their friend their age passed away last week from Leukemia.  They've had a very difficult time.  It was so neat to speak with him about the plan of salvation.  He was very sweet and concerned about Dad.... especially since they are the same age.   He always asks about him and asks if he can do anything.  I am amazed at his faith and how he has been progressing.  He came to church for the first time this sunday............ I can't count the blessings.  I love these people.

Sunday we had the INCREDIBLE opportunity to listen to President Monson, Elder Ballard, and Sister Dibb this sunday for stake conference.... they broadcasted for Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma.  It was amazing.  It was absolutely the best sunday we've had EVER! SOOOOO many miracles happened.  SO many came to church that we've been trying to get to come for so long! It was an absolute miracle!!! I've begun to see how SO many more of them happen when we have true faith in them.  I am amazed at how absolutely incredibly happy I can be. 

The line that stuck out to me the most from Thomas S. Monson's talk was the phrase "Leave your nets and follow me"...  That scripture never stood out to me so much before but this week it did. Whatever our 'nets' are....... the things that hold us from the true focus in life, the true happines.... our real purpose..... they just plain aren't worth our worry.  They are worth our work and effort, but sometimes we must leave them behind and follow him.  He will take care of you.  He will provide.  Whatever your most difficult care or worry is this week............ trust him.  Leave your nets and follow him.

Please.

“He is your beloved Heavenly Father, who seeks your good, your happiness. He desires with all the love of a perfect and pure Father that you reach your supernal destination. . . . All you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father. Trust Him enough to follow His plan.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Your Happily Ever After,” Ensign, May 2010, 127

I want you to know I love you all dearly and with all of my heart.
Please be strong.
Let the nets go.
He will take care of you.
And I still love and miss you,

Hermana Jardine
Seed.

P.S. Found out this funny side note this week............. My literal spanish name:          Lindsay Lorraine Jardine Gardner    (translation can be, Seed Garden Gardner....... The joke is I need to marry a 'Flores' because they my name could be seed garden gardner of flowers... ha............... I love my heritage!!! :)

 

Pics:

1- Guatemala gifts! :) "Guatever" (Pronounced.... "Whatever") :)

2- $4 Target boots to sleep in!

3-Bundlin up in the house

4-Sushi lunch days!

"There are those among you who, although young, have already suffered a full measure of grief and sorrow. My heart is filled with compassion and love for you. How dear you are to the Church. How beloved you are of your Heavenly Father. Though it may seem that you are alone, angels attend you. Though you may feel that no one can understand the depth of your despair, our Savior, Jesus Christ, understands. He suffered more than we can possibly imagine, and He did it for us; He did it for you. You are not alone."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Your Happily Ever After," Ensign, May 2010, 126

"Faith as the assurance of things hoped for looks to the future. This assurance is founded upon a correct understanding about, and trust in, God and enables us to 'press forward' (2 Nephi 31:20) into uncertain and often challenging situations in the service of the Savior."

David A. Bednar

Mi familia,


> I love you all so much.

>
> I'm so sorry we're emailing so late. Because of the holiday and

> transfers and lots of crazy experiences we're a few days late!

>
> This week has been incredible. Hard and SOOOO much progress.

> This field has been cultivated and cared for so long that now we're

> hardly able to keep up with the progress. We have so many now working

> towards baptism and more everyday. I am absolutely amazed. I am so

> grateful to be here another transfer and help these incredible people.

> They have become my own and I love them so very much.

> I feel like we've finally got a hand on the work.. Sister Perez and I

> work so well together and are so good at rolling with the punches. We

> put our heart and soul into it, and are doing so good. We're teaching

> an english class a few nights a week and playing soccer as a finding

> activity. We're also helping with family history. I can't believe

> the changes this area has been making.

>

> Even through the rough dry times we've had faith, we've known there is

> good ahead and we've worked for it. I've come to gain a strong

> testimony of "Miracles coming after the trial of our faith". Our

> faith has been tried and now I can't believe the miracles.

>

> On monday we recieved a text message from the referral system giving

> us a name referred from the website for us. After much opposition we

> were finally able to give him a call. Miguel Angel. Incredible man.

> He's dad's age and has children our age, though all in Mexico. Just

> talking to him on the phone, I have never heard someone so ready. He

> was so humble.... he'd been waiting. He'd given the church a thought

> a time or two but he has come to truly believe it for himself and

> wants to change his life. I truly have never met someone quite like

> him. These people are examples to me.

> He lives in a trailer with quite a few other broken sweet people

> trying to make a living. Including a sweet handicapped young man

> about our age, Luis. Just seeing how they are with him, feeding him

> and taking care of him, really humbled me. They are absolutely

> incredible people. And it seems all his friends are also so eager to

> learn. They've come to the english classes as well and we can hardly

> keep up with it all!

>

> We've also been working a lot with Nery & Amariris's family. (They

> have a few kids here in the states, all grown up, the youngest is 16)

> They are SO CLOSE!!!!! And we've seen miracles with their children. I

> absolutely cannot believe the change in that family. From hurt,

> dissinterested and fighting to stay together. To warm, loving,

> cultivating unity and craving the gospel. We hardly have enough time.

> We've started teaching each of them individually which has been

> incredible!!! They've been craving the gospel so for so long.

>

> Last night we taught one of their Daughters Estrella, and gave her her

> own book of Mormon. She is such a sweetheart. She's 18 and

> beautiful! But she has such a good head on her shoulders! We had the

> most incredible conversation about prayer, and it was incredible to

> see her understanding and love for the gospel. She is so ready.

> I have never seen anyone so ready.

>

> It's truly opened my eyes that all situations in life are like Santa

> Fe. We can easily find the hardships, trials, and darkness. It's

> hard not to be overwhelmed by it. But I know Satan only puts that in

> front of us when there is something so incredible ahead he doesn't

> want us to see or get to. Working hard and having faith, trusting our

> Heavenly Father in the good here has turned my heart and soul around

> and taught me so very much. This is his work and he will never allow

> it to fail. When we strive to see things through his eyes, we cannot

> comprehend nor handle the joy.

> There truly aren't words.

> I love Santa Fe.

> I love you all so much.

> Don't let the mists of Darkness discourage you, for they are only

> there to try to keep us from seeing the trees of life.

>

> If there wasn't good ahead, Satan wouldn't try.

>

> Never give him the upperhand.

>

> You are all so incredibly strong and I am honored to call you my family.

>

> I love you and pray for you constantly.

>

> Your baby girl,

>

> Hermana Lindsay Jardine

How are you all this week??


This week has been another amazing week in Santa Fe. We find out about transfers on Saturday. I really hope we are both staying, but we'll always follow wherever we're called. I love my companion and I love this area so much. She is so strong and such an example for me. It's been a rough week for her and it breaks my heart. Keep her in your prayers. I love her. I feel so blessed to have seen and been a part of the turn around here. I am absolutely amazed. Our numbers as a branch for sacrament meeting have been in the 30's.... last sunday we had over 70. I am so amazed at how it has turned around. These people are incredible and have become even closer to us and each other. I can't tell you the miracles we've had bringing members to visit one another and strengthening one another. It's been incredible!!! I love the members here. 


One incredible story....


We were able to meet a sweet sister from Guatemala who has been inactive for over 7 years. We had an appointment with her last week.... as we talked, her pain unfolded. I can only imagine what she's been through. Her tears at the pain of past years. As we gave her a hug and talked to her.... she felt like family. Sister Perez made the note afterward that it was an overwhelming feeling of answering someone's prayers.... I know someone had been praying for her and I am so grateful to be Heavenly Father's hand and show her his love. She's been working 2-3 minimum wage jobs at a time to singlehandedly put her 6 children through school down there. All strong members of the church. Some of which attended EFY while I was down there! How sad is it that I have seen her children more recently than she has. She has become family to us. I absolutely love her and don't know how she's done it. After we met, she stayed to help us set up for an activity. She didn't want to go home. She's been to church and been a great help since. She is now a strong active member of the church! She's incredible. I love her. We've cried and laughed with her. And she will be someone I will always stay in touch with.


I love you all so much and pray for you daily.
Please be strong and know I love you.
I'm out of time, backed up at the library.
Love you and talk to you next week.
 
Sister Jardine

The Best Christmas Ever

Christmas came early for me. 

Last thursday we had a tri-zone Christmas Zone Conference with the northern half of the mission.  It was absolutely incredible!!! I love my mission so much!! We have the best missionaries who truly have become my brothers and sisters.  We got up at 4:30 am and caught the 6 am train down to Albuquerque.  We spent the day with President and Sister Miller, and all of our fellow brothers and sisters.  Incredible talks, musical numbers, a fun talent show, and a great Christmas dinner.  Christmas ham. ;) Reminds me of you guys.  Then we got spoiled and santa left us all our Christmas packages.  Haha.  You guys spoiled me! I could hardly carry it all back on the train! We recieved the greatest gift from President and Sister Miller, that I guess most wouldn't see as a gift, but It changed me.  He gave us a document on becoming consecrated missionaries and people.  It focuses on our desires, who we really are, and the outward effects of that.  It gave be a great desire to strive to be even better, and I can see such a difference in the work, those around me, my life and future.  I've never felt so good. 

After wards we got to take the Hogwarts express, :) haha, the 'Railrunner', a double-decker train back to Santa Fe with all the Elders up around us.  And OH did it snow!!!!! It's only snowed once here before, and only stuck around a night.  But on thursday, it SNOWED, the train was stuck for a period of time, and we were caked with it. It felt so much like Christmas. 

And the time was such a miracle.  In the hours of stalling, Sister Perez and I were able to really get to know the people around us.  They became our very close friends.  It was neat to see all their stories unfold, college kids coming home for Christmas. People visiting old friends.  Parents going home from a work commute.  Everyone has a story.  I'm honored to be able to read a chapter of theirs.  We had a great Christmas party on the train sharing 'Biscochitos' :) yummy cookies a lady brought and talking of Christmas and the Savior.  It was an absolutely incredible day.  And the Elders were able to teach a first lesson to one of our train referrals for them last night.  They were so kind and invited us all over for dinner this thursday.  I am amazed at how Heavenly Father works.  We can hardly keep up with the blessings he is giving us!

Thank you SO much for the GPS! I can't tell you how much easier it makes the work!!! I LOVE you guys.  I feel absolutely spoiled, and I know it will help so much.  We are more organized now and can work even harder.  And you guys are so sweet. I feel so absolutely spoiled to have been given so much.  I can't tell you how many families you have blessed with the things you sent.  And I feel absolutely spoiled!! haha, and the sweats came on a perfect day! I had some warm jam'jams for our first snow-day. :)

This week has and will be absolutely incredible.  I don't feel jipped at all for Christmas, instead, I feel so absolutely blessed.  Especially to remember the real meaning of Christmas.  We had 'our Christmas' early last thursday.  And I will spend Christmas Eve and Day getting to do the things the Savior would if he was here.  Giving gifts to those who need them, giving meals to the homeless and work waiting shelters.  Blessing families we know need it, visiting widows and the nursing home, and making some good Mexican Tamales. :) And most of all, I can't wait to talk to you all!!!!!! :) It's strange, but being away from you has made me appreciate you all a thousand times more than I could imagine.  And this Christmas means more being away, because it reminds me that Christmas isn't about gifts or materialistic things.  It's about family.  It's about the Savior.  My greatest gift will be spending some precious time talking to you, and serving as the Savior would. 

The best Christmas ever.  :)

 

I wish I had the time to tell you all of the incredible stories of how the work is booming.  Investigators missionaries have taught for years that we are finally making progress with.  People coming out of the woodwork completely ready for the gospel.  Just an hour ago, we got a call from the Elders to quickly contact a referral with a beautiful native american lady, I love her! (a single woman so they couldn't go alone, and didn't have notice to get a member).  It was amazing.  She had the hardest of nights last night.  Her life fell apart and she became completely alone, to the point of breaking.  She texted a friend asking for some prayers in the middle of the night.  Instead, that friend, who is a member called the elders this morning and we were all able to go over and create a lifelong friendship.  Embracing a complete stranger in her tears and sorrow and lifiting her, I feel absolutely honored.  She is incredible.  You could see her soul healing.  I could feel the power of missionary work as every one of us said exactly the thing that needed to be said.  The spirit is real, it is so strong.  She is going to be baptized on January 29th and I am honored to call her my friend.

This gospel is incredible.

I love my mission and wouldn't trade it for anything.

I love you all so much and pray for you always.

I'll talk to you Saturday.

 

Sister Jardine

D&C 24:8, les quiero muchisimo mi querida familia, y Dios les ama tambien. El esta aqui para ustedes.

I'll admit I'm a little speechless today.  I'm just at peace and contemplative.  I'm so glad to hear how you all are doing.  I love you so much and want you to know you are constantly in my prayers. 

 

I love checking my email and hearing from you, Mom and Dad especially. Your letters mean the world to me.  You encouragement, love, support, and hearing how you are doing makes my day.  I think one of the greatest lessons I've learned on my mission is my love for you, my family.  How much you truly mean to me.  How much I admire love and respect each of you.

 

The more I'm in Santa Fe the more I can't get over how beautiful it is, especially the plaza.  I'm not sure on much of it's history and we have limited resources, but Dad I would LOVE to learn more about it if you find stuff on it! The whole city just feels like it has a story to tell.

 

Santa Fe is very different from El Paso, and so our approach has been very different.  It's got kind of a bad repore, but we're hoping to change that.  To be honest, we've spent this week showing love.  Heart attacking member's, less-active's and investigators doors, writing thank you cards, and giving service.  Our branch is very small, and struggling.  But I am honored to be here.  We've been more pulling weeds from the vineyard rather than harvesting, but it feels good.  It's good to be preparing good ground so we can plant good seeds.  I've learned much about my Savior here, about loving those that don't love you, and not giving up.  Santa Fe is different, but I love it.

 

Our Spanish branch is very small, in Relief Society it was us, the Presidency, and one woman.  We teach Sunday School and I am now the Primary Pianist.  Thank you for helping me develop the talent! I'm far from good, but they need the help badly.  It's strange to have just met the people and to already be so depended on.  I'm honored to be here and grateful for the opportunity to strenghten these people. 

 

We have a few investigators, and they're moving slowly.  They've been investigating the church for years.  But already I've become close friends with them.  One of them is a family from Guatemala, Ligia and Juan Carlos (& their 3 daughters and son, just like us).  Sister Knight did hair before her mission so this week we did Ligia's for free.  It's been so fun to talk to them and do service for them, leaving them wondering why we did what we did.  I love their family.  It's amazing to be able to relate to them so well too, They grew up in Antigua, which I've been to multiple times, and even been to the market their family owns.  It's a crazy connection.  I love them so much.  I'm praying so hard for them.

 

One of our other investigators is Nery, Amariris, and their grown daughters, he's from Honduras and she's from El Salvador.  He owns a sushi restaurant in downtown Santa Fe, it's NICE.  They are VERY nice people! They signed up to feed us, and to our surprise, they took us to the restaurant, we sat at the sushi bar and he made us whatever we wanted to try.  VERY nice people.  I love them already! They are so different from people in El Paso, people here are so well off.  And less willing to change.  No one is married, and they take their time in their decisions.  But I love them already as my close friends, and feel like we are leaving them better than we found them.  And hoping for the best!  I know Heavenly Father put us in Santa Fe for a reason. 

Let me know if you have any finding ideas! :) Knocking doors isn't making much progress, but we're pressing forward and continuing! :) 

 

Tonight we're visiting an old widowed member in the nursing home. He's such a sweet man and I love him so much! He reminds me of a cute hispanic version of Grandpa Gardner, mis-matching flannel and all. :) It's been so good just to put a smile on his face.  We decided we're going to visit anyone who never gets visited there as well.  We'll continue loving and serving all those around us. 

 

I'm honored for this time to be here serving in the Lord's vineyard, I know with all my heart without a doubt Heavenly Father called me here at this time in my life to serve Santa Fe.  I know I'm doing what he wants me to.  I love my Savior with all my heart and will follow Him anywhere.  He has led me through so much.  I am such a different person than I feel I was before.  So much has changed, refined.  I feel stronger, more pure, cleaner, and have more love in my heart for the world than I could ever have imagined.  I know this gospel is true with my whole heart and soul, nothing doubting.  I know I will forever be changed for the better because of my mission.

 

A scripture that gave me much peace this week is D&C 24:8.  He loves you.  He is with you.  There is a purpose for absolutely every trial in your life.  Continue to find it.  Seek to understand it. 

 

TAY have a BLAST in D.C. you will love it!!! You better send me pictures!!!! Take it in!!! You are such a beautiful strong girl, you keep chasing your dreams and becoming whoever you want to be. :) I love you and want you to know I am always here, I consider you one of my best friends and am so grateful you are my sister!

 

Ren I am so happy you are loving college and your roomies! How is everything? Any good dates? I can't believe how much you've grown up! Amaris says hi.  Everyone here envies your blonde hair! :) I love you so much.  :) Keep having fun and keep showing that beautiful smile.  Life is to be enjoyed, not endured!  You're doing great!

 

Dill, I want you to know I love you so much big guy.  You would love it here.  I promise someday after I'm home we'll come back, ride the train, find some cool animals and check out the indian stores, deal? :)

 

Mom, thank you so much for all you do for me.  You are truly selfless and one person I can always count on.  I love you so much and pray for you often. You are so strong.  Thank you for all the selfless sacrifice you give to me and those around you.

 

Dad I am so proud of you and can't describe the love I have for you in my heart.  I know you are spent in life and worn thin at all angles.  You are a strong soul.  Heavenly Father has the torch of the refiners fire blowing in your direction right now, but I know He has a purpose, a reason.  And whether you see it or not, you've changed.  You all have.  You're stronger.  More dependent upon the gospel, more aware of the purpose of life.  He loves you so much.  I love you so much.  I wouldn't change one thing about the past year, it's helped us grow. 

 

It's strange to think a year ago I was about to graduate from college, I never could have imagined what 2010 could bring.  I remember finishing school and feeling so lost.  I remember praying with all my heart for my Heavenly Father's direction for what to do with my life.  To find a good husband, a good job, and whatever else He wants me to do, be and accomplish.  I remember reading Proverbs 3:5-6 and feeling that was my answer.  I kept trying to do what made sense in my head, to my understanding, but I knew I needed to follow him.  I wanted to follow him.  January to June was a trying testing point trying to seek His guidance.  Now looking back, I KNOW it all happened for a reason.  Heavenly Father guided me.  I feel so close to Him.  I love Him so much.  I know He will continue to guide me and all who seek Him. 

 

If the solutions to our problems were simple, we would not be able to stretch our souls. 

 

Keep stretching.  Keep growing.  Follow Him.

I know if you put Him first, everything will fall into place.

I wouldn't change a thing.

I love you and pray for you daily.

 

Your baby girl,

Sister Lindsay Jardine

 

P.S. Give Tate and Boston a hello from me! WELCOME to the best family on earth!!!! :)

Love you all and have a great week!!!

One Day . . . I'm Going to Santa Fe

 First night in Santa Fe

 Streets of Santa Fe

Fall!!!

Tracting

Sister Knight

Sister Knight

They ran out of pumpkins. 

Hey Hey from Santa Fe!!

Happy Halloween!!! Dillon how was being a Dragon!? :) You guys have to send pictures!!! Of Dillon's costume, Lauren's Apartment and Taylor's hair too! I'm so glad to hear you guys are doing great!!!

Renny you need to write!! I've missed hearing from you!!! Tay's beat you with letters ;) jk.  I'm SO glad you are loving college and your apartment! Send some pictures of your roomies! I want to hear how you are, what you think of everything. I miss ya! 

Tay I am so sorry you got a ticket! I guess we each need one to learn.  Hang in there.  It'll be okay.  Keep smiling. :) I'm excited for your close up!! Are you excited!!! When is it! Thank you for your letter! I'm sending you one back.  I really appreciate it, your guys's letters mean a lot. 

Mom, thank you so much for all your support.  I love you so much.  You've become such a close friend and someone I really admire.  I am so glad you're mom.  I can't thank you for your stalwart support.  When everything else comes and goes, I've learned family is eternal.  I love you so much and always will. I love you.

Dad, you are in my prayers, I am always thinking of you.  Your advice, legacy, and all you've taught me.  Keep hanging in there and keep on keeping on.  You are always in my prayers. 

Santa Fe is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW was it a culture shock.  El Paso is in its 70's and then I came here and realized it's actually fall!! I didn't think I realized Christmas was coming, I was just stuck in summer.  Haha.  I got here and was FREEZING! :) But it is breathtaking and beautiful! I am so used to the humility of El Paso that this is a complete culture shock.  Everything is so nice here.  It's like a mix between Park City, The east coast and a Santa Fe twist.  It really reminds me of Georgetown Virginina, the historic town but how it's now become really ritzy.  The fall leaves are beautiful!!! It has a COMPLETELY different feel than El Paso.  Even the people.  In El Paso, I was in the minority.  Almost EVERYONE was from Juarez Mexico (which IS really scary right now.  So many stories.  But we are okay.  We're protected, as are the missionaries in Juarez.) Here is completely different.  People are here from all over!!! Investigators and members are from Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico All over south and central america, and believe it or not..... GUATEMALA! :) It's been such an amazing connection to people!!!!! To know what their home country, town and culture is like.  Oh it is amazing.  And SO neat to know people from all over.  It's neat to recognize their different accents and traditions.  That's probably one of the biggest changes in coming here, realizing how far spanish has come.  I feel so comfortable with it.  I LOVE it!!!! It's easier than english sometimes.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn it.  I'm far from perfect but It's not foreign anymore.  It's like a light switch is on now.  I love it.

Santa Fe is a little more difficult as far as the work goes compared to El Paso which is expected but good.  I'm honored to be serving here and to be blessed with a challenge.  The work is really dead and the people are much colder, but we're excited to turn things around.  I LOVE my companion.  She is SO enthusiastic and alive with the work!!  Even though it's been hard, we are happy and working hard.  :) Doing lots of service and just trying to show Santa Fe some love, if nothing else to leave people better than we found them and with a good taste in their mouth.  We were very blessed in El Paso.  With the humility of the economy and happenings in Juarez, everyone was ready for the gospel, it was all we could do to keep up with the work!!!! Here, people are well off and don't have a need for us.  But we're working hard and positive.  :) It's such a good feeling just to help someone, be happy and loving, and leave them wondering what makes us how we are.  We're definately pulling more weeds and tilling the ground here in the orchard rather than picking fruit, but it's still very rewarding and I know things will eventually turn around in Santa Fe.  I love it here.  And I truly don't think there could be better missionaries here!!!! We have two sets of English Elders and ourselves in our District.  They are amazing Elders and so enthusiastic!  They are already great friends and we have fun working hard! It's strange to be teaching and speaking only spanish, but it's helped me so much.  I LOVE the work here!

Spanish Sisters.  There are few.  Come April I will be the second oldest which is crazy! Chances are I will be training soon, maybe before that.  Sister Good is training a brand new Sister Batchcoff ?sp still in Horizon City.  The joke was 'Momma got a new baby and kicked me to Santa Fe' ;) haha.  I love and miss her sooooo much! She is amazing!!! I cherish the time I had there.  While saying goodbyes I realized how much those people have become my people, how that area is a home to me.  I can't tell you how much we love those people! We came into a dead area and made it home and family.  But I have a year left, and to be honest, I have a feeling I'll be back around there soon enough. :) There aren't many areas for spanish sisters.  Right now that is one of 4.  Sister Newbold (going home next august) is training a brand new Sister Jarman in Anthony, New Mexico down south as well, and then Sister Cope is training a brand new Sister Holland in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.  Sister Cope and Sister Good go home the transfer after next in January.  My companion is Sister Knight from Virginia.  She is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I love her so much.  She goes home March or April.  She is awesome and SO enthusiastic!

It's been a great first few days.  Elder Zivic left us with a commitment, a 40 day fast from things holding us back from being our very best selves.  It's been an absolutely amazing experience and I would recommend it to you.  It's truly changed my life.  As I began, everything I put on my paper to leave behind became very prevalant and hard to leave behind, but now as I've worked harder at perfecting it, I am SO absolutely grateful for it.  I've never felt more clean, more closer to the Savior.  I love my Savior.  I love this work.  I love Santa Fe.  I am excited to continue working my hardest.  I love you all and you are in my prayers. 

I want you to know you've been on my mind and in my prayers constantly.  I pray we will keep trusting God in all we do.  Heartache comes when we lose that trust in Him.  Don't lose it.  Keep working hard.  Lose the fear and keep the faith.  I know you've been through much.  I want you to know that I know with all my heart your Heavenly Father loves you and knows you. He doesn't leave you alone and there is a purpose for every stage and trial in our lives.  Find the purpose. 

I love you all so much! Keep being strong and know I am here for you!

Love,

Hermana Jardine