The Final Email!

Can you even believe it's here? This is the last email of the mission.... WE DID IT! Haha! Today I was able to go to the temple and it was wonderful of course! I loved being there and it was a bit strange walking out of there for the last time. It seems not so long ago that I was in there for my first cycle. I don't have too much to update on. I am adding my mission experience paper on here because that sums up my feelings for the mission. I love you all! Thank you for all the love and support I have gotten these past 18 months. I'll see and talk to you soon!

Taking time to reflect over the last 18 months plus, I can’t help but be filled with gratitude for the chance I have had to serve the Lord here in the New York, New York North mission. My life would have never been the same without it. Recently, I was studying in the Book of Mormon and came upon a chapter that has brought a totally different meaning to me as a missionary. In the 26th chapter of Alma we read of the joy that Ammon has because of his missionary work. Verse 12 states, “Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.”
When I started the journey of my mission in the MTC, I marked that scripture, using it as a motivation and guideline of how I wanted to feel when my time here in New York ended. It has been a tender mercy for me to re-read this chapter and find that I have so many of the same feelings as Ammon, especially as he speaks of miracles. Miracles have been the focus point of my mission and seeing them everyday has given me the motivation to keep going, even and especially when times were tough. As I have thought about the different miracles I have seen, I have realized the main miracles have been within my companions, the investigators, missionary work as a whole and within myself.
Being able to be with a companion for twenty four hours a day, seven days a week is something that takes some getting used to. In the MTC I was a “solo” sister and was with at least two elders all the time, so I was a little nervous coming into the field and having a big change. I quickly came to realize that the Lord directs who our companions are in every circumstance. I saw miracles with each one of them and in each one of them. I found that the Lord truly can direct your companion through the spirit to know how they can help you and that He also does the same for you in helping them, if you are willing to act on that. I have seen the miracle of the atonement in their lives as they strive to overcome illnesses, doubt and lack of self confidence and put their whole heart into the work. I have seen the miracle of a companion struggling with me through the hard times, always having a positive attitude about any hardship that comes. I have seen the miracle of becoming instant best friends with a person I have only know for a few minutes and knowing that we were meant to work in this work together. I have seen the miracle of having the spirit testify to both of us, the same exact thing, knowing what needs to be done and how to do it so that we can help others. The miracles within each companionship are innumerable. I am so grateful for all the valiant, virtuous women I have gotten to work with and become best friends with.
The miracles I witnessed within investigators was the most exciting part of my mission. Being able to be with someone, see the spirit touch their hearts and see the change that begins in them amazed me every day. As a contrast to that, it was hard to see those ones who did not accept the gospel. At times, the Lord would give us a little glimpse on what their life would be like if they would accept the gospel and it was so hard to not see that happen. To see the miracle of the spirit within others is something I will always hold close to me. I was able to see the miracle of finding those people who were truly searching for the gospel in their lives, once they found it, they were on fire, ready and excited to do all the Lord asks of them. I have seen the miracle of the atonement work in each of their lives as they struggled to overcome personal weaknesses such as addictions or self doubt. Being able to see each person put total trust in the Lord is a wonderful example to me of how I should continue to be throughout my life. I have seen the miracle of the gospel strengthen families and bringing them together so that they can live together forever after this life. Each one of these people who I have been able to meet and teach have taken part in a miracle, the miracle of the gospel being testified through the spirit. I am forever indebted to my Father in heaven for giving me the chance to witness so many miracles in others lives.
To me, missionary work as a whole is one giant miracle. I realized this at first while I was in the MTC. Being together with all these people, trying to do their best and serve the Lord brings a special spirit that can’t be found anywhere else. I felt this every time I got together as a group of missionaries; I will miss that feeling so much. I know that the Lord loves his missionaries. Together as districts and zones I was able to witness so many different miracles. In every ward I served in, I had the chance to work closely with other missionary companionships and see the progress and joy that we all felt when success was found. Being able to work together, as a whole, brought miracles every day, not only within the work, but within ourselves. I have formed the closest relationships of my life because of the chance I have had to serve with such dedicated Elders and Sisters. Truly, as a group of missionaries work together in one purpose, the Lord pours out his blessings and miracles every day! It is true when it is said that goals CAN be reached as long as the effort is put forth by all!
Being able to see the miracles within in myself has probably been the hardest but most enlightening part of my mission. It is easy to see how the Lord changes others but sometimes it is a lot easier to point out all the faults within yourself. Looking back, I have seen miracle upon miracle of the Lord working within me, to help me become the person he wants me to be. I learned that through the atonement of Christ, I can overcome any weakness that I have. I learned what it means to truly rely on the Savior, in times where you feel that no one understands. I was lucky to learn this lesson very early on in my mission and that has shaped how I have faced every hardship that has come on the mission. It’s interesting to see how the hardships that I have gone through have lead me to help others with the same problems. Seeing that has made me grateful for everything that I have gone through, as hard as it was. I am forever grateful for the guidance of the spirit in my life and learning even more how I recognize the spirit in my life and challenging that to help others. The ways and things I have learned are innumerable but the everlasting testimony I have is that we truly are children of God. He knows us, He loves us, and He is aware of everything we need. He is there, no matter what!
I know that this is the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that he restored the truth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I testify of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, it is the word of God. I know that as we do our best here and follow the Savior, we can live with our families forever. I know that God is our Heavenly Father, that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. I feel as Ammon does in the last verse of Alma Chapter 26, “Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.” I know that God is mindful of each one of us. We can see His loving hand in every part of our lives, which to me, is a miracle. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
- Hermana Melissa Passantino

Hello Humidity!

Well, I can tell that spring time is here as my hair has decided to poof every day now, it's just so humid. I forgot what it is like till just now. Ha ha! But the last couple of days have been so nice and I have been LOVING it! I love seeing all the blossoms and having the sun out! Yesterday we walked around South Norwalk and talked to people on the street. It made me miss the city a lot but it was just so enjoyable. I am glad that the blossoms are out and that there is some color in the world again! The rain just starts to get depressing after a while.

This week was a good one. All three of us have been really sick so on Saturday we were inside ALL day which was just awful! At least we all got hit at the same time and we are doing better now. That night the assistants asked us to sing at mission conference that coming Monday. HAHAHAHA! We just laughed when we found out and then agreed. You can imagine how fun it was to practice for that as we all were blowing our noses and trying to sing with congestion filling us up... not the best of times. But the song turned out ok and we made it through. Thank goodness Hna. Vander Does has such an amazing voice, she carried us through!

Easter was great. It is always so nice to be able to reflect a little more on the Savior and what he did for us. We also got to sing in Sacrament Meeting which was, again, very interesting. The elders sang with us so I think it turned out pretty good. We ate dinner at a couple different houses and enjoyed our time with some members. I think next Easter will be weird without eating some sort of Spanish food for dinner!

So I had my final mission conference on Monday. It was a little weird, just feeling like I was one of "the old ones". We talked about the doctrine of finding people. It was really interesting and reminded me once again of how much people are searching for the gospel in their lives. President Smith reminded us that everyone knew the plan, everyone that is here accepted that, we need to go out and help them remember. It has put a different spirit into the way I look at people throughout my whole mission, it was great to be reminded of it again! I was also given the chance to bear my testimony at mission conference (along with all the other missionaries going home) It was interesting to reflect and bear testimony. I realize that my testimony hasn't changed at all, it has just grown stronger. My goals have become more specific and I have learned even more how the Lord guides me in all I do! What a great time!

Today is my last normal P-day. Next week we are going to the temple (all the missionaries going home) so today we are going to the beach to play some volleyball. I am very excited! I hope all is well in your part of the world! I love you all!

Con Amor- Hermana Passantino

18 months!

Yes, it's true, tomorrow I will hit my 18 month mark! Does that mean I am done being a missionary? Haha, NO WAY! Us Spanish sisters here in New York go for almost 19 months... does that mean we are more hard core? I think so! Just kidding... :)

This last week has been an adventure as always. We are still continuing to work hard and find those people who are searching for the gospel. We are having a lot of success as we follow the spirit in our finding efforts. The work always goes forward. I have really been enjoying seeing little miracles every day. Last Sunday we were for sure that one of our investigators was going to come to church. We saw her the day before and we were so excited about it. Turns out, she didn't show up... BUT another one of our investigators did! It was so exciting! Getting people to church in this area has been rough so I just jumped for joy last Sunday. Just a little tender mercy.

I don't have a lot to update on just because the work keeps going forward and nothing new has changed. I got to have an interview with President yesterday which was wonderful as always. I love that man. He is just so ready and willing to help with everything. This cycle has probably been one of the most challenging on my mission but I have also learned the most so I am happy about that.

I hope all is well! I heard that the weather has been a bit crazy lately. It sure has here as well! I just want it to be warm again! It seems the rain doesn't want to stop. Hopefully the saying is true about April showers bringing May flowers! I also hope that everyone has a wonderful Easter. I love this time of year! It make me think even more in our Savior and all that he went through for us. I know He lives!!!

Con Amor- Hermana Passantino

I Love Conference!

Hello to all! How is everyone doing? Things here in good ol' CT are going well. It has been a great week, a different week, but a great week. The week after transfers is always something to get adjusted to.. just because there is so much change involved. But we are doing well. The adjustment from two people to three people has been an interesting one for all of us but we are working together and bonding well. We are kind of working on phasing me out of being the one in charge, just so that when I leave, they will realize that they don't need me at all. It will be interesting.

My birthday was wonderful. It started out with my companions decorating my apartment while I was in the shower, that was fun. Then we went to an english members house to watch the first session of conference. The whole district was there and it was really cool. Then the family brought out this huge chocolate cake and sang to me. I felt so special, I had never even met these people before. It always amazes me how christlike people are! We ran over to a members house before the second session of conference and ate there and then enjoyed the second session. It was a great day. On sunday a member brought me a homemade cheesecake and on Monday we had FHE with a member family and they bought me this HUGE tres leches cake (my favorite). I am stuffed full of cake! But it was wonderful. I felt so much love. Thanks to all of you for my birthday wishes. I feel like an old fart but that's ok!

So, wasn't conference amazing? I feel bad for all of you because I am pretty sure the conference was directed toward Melissa Passantino. Ha ha, just kidding, but really! I loved how many of my concerns and questions were answered during conference. What a blessing it is to hear from the Lords servents and recieve personal revelation. Just to comment on a couple of my favorites: Richard G. Scott was of course amazing. All of us sister missionaries just had huge smiles on our faces the whole time and just loved it. I think it was for sure my favorite. I also loved Lynn G. Robbins talk on being and doing. It was so great! Then of course Elder Bednar, a lot of what he talked about reminded me of what he talked about when we came to speak to us as a mission. Every talk was just so amazing. I was able to set some good goals while I was watching, especially about my future. I think the main thing on my mind is how I want more than ever to have a strong family, in a home where the gospel is taught and lived and where the spirit can be. It seems sometimes that this world is getting scarier to live in which makes it even more important for us to carry the light of Christ with us always.

I hope all are doing well. Have an amazing week. I know I will!

Con Amor- Hermana Passantino

The new threesome! Look out Norwalk!

Elder Fox's funeral... we were so excited when we found that tombstone!

Our Biblia Novela...good times!

Morning exercise on the beach... this only happened once and it was FREEZING but it was fun!

I'm a momma again!

Hey Everyone! Hello from good ol' Connecticut! We just got back from transfers and I just got my second daughter in the mission! Pretty cool huh? I am so excited to train my last cycle, it will keep me on my toes. Hna. Vander Does and I are still together so we are in a three some so it will be fun! I am excited to work hard this cycle. My daughters name is Hermana Melissa Sanders from Arizona. She is super cool and her cousin was one of my EFY girls... so funny! What a small world it is.

It's been strange to realize that I only have 6 weeks left, I don't really like thinking about it. We still have SO much to do here so we are really excited. Our "Biblia Novela" turned out good this last sunday... we had a good time and I think the ward enjoyed it. It was an adventure for sure, don't worry,we have pictures! Ha ha!

I don't have much time with email this week. I hope all is well in the homefront. Love you all!

Love, Hermana Passantino

Sunshine or Snow?

What in the world is going on with the weather this week? It is crazy! A couple of days ago we had SUCH nice weather, almost in the 70's... I was in Heaven. We walked around Norwalk all day and I loved it. Hna. Vander Does was a little pooped by the end of the day but I just keep telling her I am preparing her for the city so she is not in total culture shock when she goes there one day. But on Monday and now today, it is snowing... what in the world? So strange! I was talking to a lady outside of the library today and she just told me how unpredictable the weather is in March... I hope April is better.

It's been a good week full of learning experiences. We taught our investigator Jose on Monday and that did not go at all as planned. We were excited to teach him the Plan of Salvation and had it all ready to go. As soon as we got in we realized that he did not need to hear about the Plan of Salvation, so the lesson plan changed in an instant (gotta love when that happens). I was more bold with him that I have ever been with anyone of my mission. For a moment, I felt as if the spirit was teaching both of us. Sadly, Jose knows it's true, he knows what he needs to do but he also knows that HE needs to be the one to do it. He understands what it means to have a willing heart and he admits that he doesn't have it. It was really hard to drop him because you can just see how it would change his life but he's right, we need to be willing to make that change or nothing is going to happen. I don't know if I explained that very well but it was a great lesson for me on agency and what WE need to do to receive that change of heart. I hope that one day he will have that desire because I know as soon as he does, his life will change.

We had interviews with President this last week and those went well. I can't believe that it was my last one with him before I go home, it seems strange. It was fun to sit with him and talk about "the good ol' days" when I was in the Bronx. He is such an amazing man and I am so happy he is my Mission President!

So here is a funny story. A couple weeks ago some elders and I got into a conversation about owl pellets... ya know, those things that owls throw up that are full of bones and stuff? Gross I know but for some reason we were talking about those and I remembered a time when we lived in PA and Kindra and I got to dissect one. Anyway, it was a random conversation but something I remembered was fun way back when.... fast forward to the other day. We were in this really random dollar store looking for a wig for our "Biblia Novela" and I see something with Harry Potter on it... of course I pick it up to take a look. Guess what it was? It was this owl pellet dissecting kit! Ha ha! You better believe I bought it and now I am making the elders dissect an owl pellet with me this afternoon... am I crazy? Probably but it sounds like fun to me!

I hope everyone is doing well wherever you are! Things here are great. Transfers are next Wednesday... I pray and hope Hna. Vander Does stays here to kill me off... we'll see! Have a wonderful week!

Con Amor- Hermana Passantino

It's a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood!

Hello From Rainy CT!
Yup, it's pretty rainy here today but that's ok... word is that the next couple of days should be nicer, I want spring to come so bad! On Monday I wore sandals, not the smartest choice in the world, I think I got a bit over excited for warm weather. ha ha! So it's been a good and busy week here in Norwalk. Hna. Vander Does and I are working hard to find some investigators. It seems all the legit ones we find seem to drop off the face of the planet. But that's ok, the Lord is always preparing people, we just need to find them. Thank goodness we have the spirit to help us with that, there is no way we could do it alone!
Well, my mom asked me what we do on P-days around here. Well, pretty much every P-day we go to this place called Blue Streak. A member owns it, it's like a gym. We play basketball (well, the elders play basketball and Hna. Vander Does and I just throw a football around) but it's nice to get some physical exercise. Last week we went bowling and it was SO fun! I even got a turkey... I was pretty proud of myself. Today we are going to go to blue streak and then go to the church and play some games. Just hang out. We were going to go to the beach but it's too cold and rainy still... so sad!
So, some fun experiences from the week: Number one: we had mission conference to review what we learned when Elder Bednar was here. It was of course wonderful as always. I love being with President Smith and all the other missionaries. I am going to miss it so much. I'm pretty sure that was my last mission conference, so sad!
Number Two: We did a zone blitz in New Canaan last week which was so intimidating. New Canaan is the richest zip code and let me tell you, I never thought I would be so scared to talk to white people. We just go up to these HUGE houses and try to talk to people. Hna. Vander Does and I would switch off who would contact that person. She got all the nice people and for some reason I got all the mean ones! But it was fun!
Number Three: We had the chance to have dinner at President Hunts house ( a member of the mission presidency) It was so great to be there and feel of the spirit in their house. All the elders and President Hunt had to run to a priesthood meeting so Hna. Vander Does and I stuck around and helped Sis. Hunt clean up. She is a return missionary and it was fun to hear her experiences. It was such an uplifting visit, I loved it!
Number Four: HNA. MCMILLAN came to visit! I was so excited to see her. She pumped me up and just made me happy. I love her!
Number Five: So, our ward is doing this activity where we kind of have to act out the first lesson. It is so funny because they want the missionaries to be all these different characters. First, they wanted Elder Fox to be Christ. They were going to have me go up to him get on my knees and say (in Spanish of course) "Master, if it is thy will, you can heal me" Then he was supposed to say, "I will" and then like help me up off the ground to "heal me". Let's just say the practice did NOT go so well, we were just rolling on the ground laughing. The members probably think we are crazy but we just can NOT act! Luckily, Hna. Vander Does and Elder Anderson can do it without laughing, which leaves Elder Fox and I being some background people, thank goodness! Haha, oh man, it is so funny! I will try to get it on tape when it actually happens. I am left being a "persecuted Christian" but I can do that, all I have to do is lay on the ground crying. Ha ha! I love Spanish wards! It is always so fun!

Anyway, that's my update for the week. The work continues to go well. I love every minute of it! Even the minutes where I want to walk around outside and talk to people and no one is there to talk to and I freak out a little bit! This is the work of the Lord! He is in charge and I love it! I love you all! Have a wonderful week!

Con Amor- Hermana Passantino

My Posterity-Mi, Mi Hija, Mi Granddaughter

Saying Goodbye to Hermana Child:(

Me and Lilly :)

Tres Leche! My Fav!

Hermana Vander Does and I by the ocean in CT- this was in the Elders area.

Just driving in the car!

This is what we like to call a "Melissa Moment" When I feel like a normal person. Ha ha

Our district for Elder Fox's Birthday party!

Hna. Vander Does and I went a little crazy with the decorations for Elder Fox's birthday

Lots of Love=Lots of Food

Hello from good ol' Connecticut!
It's a bit chilly today but this morning my companion convinced me to go out running with her... wow do I feel out of shape! Ha ha! I seriously felt like an old woman but it was nice to get out of the house to exercise (Don't tell her I said that or she will make me do it again!)

Things here in CT continue to move forward. As before, I am still trying to get a hold of the upstate lifestyle. We have a lot of appointments with the members and they feed us such good food. They are such wonderful people and my weight is going to show for it! Ha ha! The good news is, I am writing down how to make some of my favorite things so I can try them out when I am home. It's been fun because there are so many different people from different countries so we get to try a good variety. One member joked about feeding me cow stomach. I kindly told him I had alreayd tried it and I don't really need to try it again. Ha ha! So gross!

The work is moving forward here. Hna. Vander Does and I are working hard at finding those people who are searching for the gospel. We actually had a really cool lesson with a guy named Jose that we street contacted my first week here. He was wondering why there were so many different doctrines and how we know what one is correct... PERFECT! He is cool we are excited to continue teaching him. Also, we had this random guys name on our white board with an address. We didn't know where it came from but we decided to go check it out. Turns out it was a guy from Peru who had gone to church in Peru but never here. We are also very excited to teach him. I love teaching the restoration and the plan of salvation. It just brings so much joy. The spirit is always strong and it just feels good to teach those basics. The gospel is so simple and knowing the simple truths brings so much happiness in our lives!

I hope everyone is doing well. You are all in my prayers! Have an amazing week!

Con Amor- Hermana Passantino
Oh and PS; I can't remember if I put the correct address for my new address here in Norwalk- I think I put the wrong zip code but it is 25 Maple st #8, Norwalk, CT, 06850

I heart CT!

Hello from the Constitution State! I am just reporting after getting out of my 2011 Chevy Malibu... ha ha, that's right, that's what I roll around in these days. It's wonderful! We have a little GPS that tries to show me where to go but I think I get in more arguments with that thing that I should. It just frustrates me sometimes, always telling me to turn too late or what not. But I love it, it helps us get around here! I am IN LOVE with this area. It is for sure different than the city. Let me tell you! My second day here, Hna. Vander Does said we had a district blitz in "the projects". I am pretty sure these "projects" were like the Ritz Carlton compared to what I was in before. It was pretty funny. But there are some pretty ghetto parts around here. But I just love it. The work is done totally different than in the city. I am just so used to walking around and talking to people but here we are in the car all the time. I did have Hna. Vander Does and I walk around one day and just talk to people that were in their yards. It was fun and it was her first time doing it so we had a good ol time. We also have started contacting people from the car window when they look spanish... or just hanging around spanish grocery stores!

Hna. Vander Does is so great. We get a long just wonderfully and she is just so fun to be with. I know I am supposed to be her companion and I feel grateful to be able to work here. We have big plans for this area! Church was amazing on Sunday. I just love this ward. I was asked to give a talk AND sing in church on Sunday... thanks ward! But it went well I think. I still don't like talking in front of people in Spanish but I felt more like myself as I did it which was good. We also sang "Joseph Smiths First Prayer" It was me, Hna. Vander Does, and the elders (Elder Fox and Elder Anderson- the greenie) Luckily, the old Elder Anderson was there so we had him come up and sing with us. It went pretty well I think!

We also had a baptism on Saturday. This wonderful man named Ray. He has two little boys and his mom also wants to get baptized. Sadly, she has to work on Sundays so that is hard to work with. His baptism was great and I just can see how the gospel has blessed his life even though I have only been here for a couple of days. We were at his house the other night and I could just feel of the love the Savior has for that family. It brought tears to my eyes. I love moments like that as a missionary!

The members here are wonderful. I love them all so much. Not very many Dominicans which means I can understand what everyone is saying to me... ha ha. We eat A LOT here and the food is so good! I love it! So far I have eaten food from Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras! On Sunday we ate at a members house from Mexico and they said I came here so that I could fix my Dominicana accent... Haha! I guess I talk fast like they do, who knew? But really, the members are amazing. I just feel so comfortable here and I feel the love of everyone so much, it's great!

I am doing great. I love the change that has come in the mission for me. I can see big miracles in this area but I am just excited to work hard! Upstate is VERY different and I am adjusting but I am doing good. I can see that Heavenly Father puts me where I need to be, and I am glad it is here! Life is wonderful! The church is true! I am so glad that I am doing His work here.

We are getting ready for Elder Bednar which I am really looking forward too. What a wonderful opportunity we have! I love you all! I hope all is well!

Con Amor- Hermana Passantino

PS: We found this new guy to teach names Ramon! He is so cool and guess what? He is Dominican! Ha ha! Of course! I am so excited to teach him. He recently got in a really bad car accident and almost died and he has been searching for the truth since then! SO LEGIT!

PPS: Today we went and played basketball at this gym a member owns. Let's just say I am a little rusty and very out of shape... woops. But it was fun!

We had a goodbye dinner with Maria Lall and her daughter last night. It was fun :) Just a girls night with Pizza!

Saying goodbye to Luz (Lewis's grandma, she is so great!)

Always representing ;) Thanks fam for the shirt! I LOVE IT!

China and Ramon came with Gia to say hi on Valentines Day! I was so excited to see them!

Our district on V-Day eating the cookies Hna. Anderson and I made (Thanks for the mix mom :)

So, this is when I was so sick and Hna. Anderson cut her lip with a knife and it wouldn't stop bleeding... we were a site to be seen!

Cesar's Baptism. He is the one standing next to Hna. Anderson. Hno. Santana baptized him and Bishop MacDonald is also in the picture

Adios New York City... Hola Connecticut!!!

Yes it is true! I am leaving this city that I love oh so much for the last two cycles of my mission! And I am going to Connecticut! Woo hoo!!! President called yesterday and when he told me that I was going there I squealed in his hear. Ha ha... he probably thinks I was a little too crazy but that's ok. He knows my personality and he is excited for me to be there too! But let me tell you why he called, because I AM GOING TO BE A GRANDMOTHER! That's right, Hna. Anderson is training and I am so excited for her. I am excited to be able to see my "mission posterity". She is going to be amazing. Inwood is a great place to be trained because it prepares you for pretty much everything (except being upstate in a car which I will be doing! WOO HOO!)

It has been just a wonderful time here in Inwood. I was thinking last night about all the people I love here and all the experiences I have had. It's funny, because Hna. Walker (my mission momma) wrote me a while ago and told me that although Inwood was a very draining area she made some of her best friends here and I feel the same way. I am relieved to be going somewhere totally new but I will miss the people here. I love it just like I love the Bronx. It's going to be a bit of a culture shock for me to be upstate and change my missionary work (it's totally different up there, like two different missions) but I am excited. I will be with Hna. Vander Dos (I think that is how you spell it) and I will be her follow up trainer (this is going to be her second cycle). I am just excited to be there. I was there for a couple days with Hna. Baxter and I fell in love with the ward and people there so I just can't wait! I am finding that change is getting easier and easier for me as my mission goes on. Everyone knows I have a hard time with change but I am learning to grow from it instead of dread it like I usually do. I'm excited to learn from a new companion and to meet new people. The good news is that there aren't very many Dominicans up there so I may actually be able to understand the Spanish they speak to me. Ha ha. I love the Dominican people so much, but even after all this time, some of them are hard to understand. Now, I just have to make sure I don't gain any weight up there since I won't be walking around as much as I do here!

Last Wednesday I got a fun surprise and Hna. Child and Hna. Adjei got to stay with us. It was so fun to be with them and catch up. I just love all the people from my mission so much! They are the best. I can't believe Hna. Child is leaving tomorrow! AHHH! I am going to miss her, why am I suddenly the oldest sister in the mission? When did that happen? AHHHHHHH!

This week has been interesting for sure. On Friday morning around 3:30 in the morning I woke up with the worst stomach pain ever. I tried to throw up but nothing would come out, it was awful! I was up since then just rolling around in pain. It lasted throughout the day but I was able to get some stuff out a couple of times. I felt so weak and just awful. Hna. Anderson took very good care of me and helped me with everything (she even cleaned the toilet after I threw up so I wouldn't have to throw up again in a gross toilet and she had a warm washcloth waiting for me when I was done because that is what my mom used to do :) The elders were our life savors and went to an appointment with Cesar for us since he was getting baptized the next day! Thank goodness for them. It was not a fun day! I ran a fever and just felt awful. I knew I had to get better because we had to do everything for the baptism the next day. I woke up the next day still not able to eat anything but Hna. Anderson got a mild version of what I had. So you can imagine how weak we were at the baptism.We did our best and it turned out great. I was so excited to see Cesar baptized! The ward has taken him under their wing and he just has so many friends already. He felt so good afterwards and is excited to get going in the church. He is a great member and I feel so blessed to have been here to see him taught and baptized... and right before I left too!

We actually have another baptism this week but sadly I will not be here for it. Elizar is so cool and he is way excited to get baptized. He was taught by other missionaries but he had to go to Mexico for a while. But now he is ready to go! He was going to be baptized last week but they had to go out of town. So Hna. Anderson has a lot on her hands this weekend but she will do great!

I am just loving my mission more and more these days. I love being here and I love serving the Lord. I am amazed by all the tender mercies we see every day! I am so grateful that I can be here. Even more grateful because Elder Bednar is coming to our mission on Feb 25th to just speak to the missionaries. I am so excited! It is going to be a great conference! Wow, I just feel so blessed. I don't know what kind of challenges and adventures await me but I am excited for all of them. I hope you all have an amazing week! Love from New York City one last time :)
Con Amor- Hermana Passantino

My New Address: 25 Maple #8
Norwalk, CT
06850

This rock is from CA and so are we so we thought a picture would be nice!

Museum of Natural History-Us in a shell!

Some random garden in an apartment building... oh the interesting things you find

The Superbowl and missionary work!

It is very chilly here in New York City! We woke up this morning FREEZING! Only to find out the heat wasn't on and there was no hot water. I guess the boiler broke. So, Hna. Anderson and I turned the oven on and opened it up and ate breakfast while huddling around the oven. Then we heated up some water on the stove to wash our hair and faces. Ha ha, it was so funny! I am just grateful when we DO have heat and warm water. I am glad I am not a pioneer, I don't think I would have made it!
This week has been a good one. A lot of fun adventures as always here in Inwood. I am trying to soak it all in because it is very likely that I will be transferred next week, only time will tell! This last Sunday was one of my favorite Sundays in the mission. First off, it was BEAUTIFUL outside! The sun was shining and it was warm (well it was like 37 but warm for me!) Then we go to church and we just realized how much we love all of our members. Everyone was just so happy and in a good mood. Cesar came to church (and his baptism is this Saturday! Woo Hoo!) and we also had another investigator show up. He had been taught before but had to go out of the country. Well, he is back and will be baptized in two weeks! SO cool!!!! Talk about a miracle! It was just a great day. We loved all of our classes and felt the spirit so strong. It was great!
Thursday we had another miracle. Thursday night all of our appointments fell through. We were frustrated but went to go visit a member family. As we were there our phone rang. Usually I don't answer the phone in an appointment but I felt like I should, so I picked it up. It was a lady and she told me she was at the church and that it was locked. I asked her why she was there and she said she wanted to be a part of the church. I thought she was calling for English class and she told me no, she saw our number on the door and she has been looking for our church and wants to be part of it! Luckily we were close and ran to the church to meet her. Turns out, she has a lot of family in Peru who are members. Her mom was a member too but just passed away. She wanted a change in her life and knew that she needed to study this church! She is so cool! Sadly, she doesn't live in our area but she is golden and I am so excited for the elders that get to teach her!
So I don't know how many of you have mormon.org profiles but you have to make one! The church is doing this new thing and as missionaries we get to get on mormon.org and search for people that are on there. Then we take the new mormon.org pass-a-long cards and when we meet people we can have a suggestion of who they should look up. It is so cool! I love mormon.org, it is such a great missionary tool. So if you don't have a profile, MAKE ONE! Also, whoever does my blog, will you put a link to mormon.org on there? Gracias!
This last week we got to go to an English ward members house from some dinner. It was so fun! Ha ha! I forgot what it was like to not have rice and beans with my meal. It was great! I loved it! Always a fun little switch up!
So, we decided to go tracting during the Super Bowl... not the smartest thing in the world. But it worked out to my advantage. Who ever knew Aaron Rodgers would be a good missionary tool! Ha ha! As we were tracting, everyone was watching the game. So, as they tried to close the door on us, I would say, "Well who is winning?" This always surprised them because some white mormon chick wants to hear about the Superbowl. So then they would tell me who was winning and I told them Aaron went to my high school. By that point we are friends and they invite us back in. Ha ha, good times! It was pretty funny!
I have been feeling of my Saviors love so much this last week. Those times when life is hard, I know I can get on my knees (or usually in my case, walk through the cold snowy streets) and pray to feel the warmth of my Saviors love... and it never fails! It is such a tender mercy for me. I know that we can ALL feel of that love, ALWAYS! I sure hope we take advantage of it and take time out of our busy days to offer some thanks for the things that we have in this life.
I have been loving re-reading the Book of Mormon as a missionary again. Every time I read I learn something new and interesting. It is just so amazing. That book brings the spirit into our lives so much and so much personal revelation comes while reading. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and I know it is the word of God, another Testament of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Just like Nephi, we all have trials in our lives and we are asked to do things that are hard or seem difficult. But we have to go in with a good attitude and just DO it! Heavenly Father will always prepare a way. And as we go in with the good, positive attitude, we come out becoming what Heavenly Father wants of us. Unlike Laman and Lemuel who did the things but didn't BECOME anything! Oh man, I love the stories in the Book of Mormon.
I hope all is well wherever you are reading this! Stay warm (I know my parents will be as they enjoy their time in Mexico... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!) And happy valentines day to all! Love you!
Con Amor- Hermana Passantino
And next week... we find out where Hna. Passantino will be her last two cycles of her mission!

Today... ICE!

As I am sure everyone has heard, there is a fun ice storm here in NY right now... it's crazy, just walking around on pure ice is always fun. Let's all pray that we don't slip and fall! So far so good, but it's always too soon to tell. An Elder in my district got stitches because he fell on Saturday, poor guy. Things are going well here! Besides the cold weather we are working hard and having fun, as usual.

Cesar continues to progress and we are so excited for him. Every time we go teach you can see his faith in Christ going more and more. He is so ready and willing to follow Christ and his example, I love it! I wish we could find more people like that. Luckily, they are out there! I have just been realizing more and more how we are simply asking people to follow Christ and his gospel. It is simple if you think about it. I love reading in the Book of Mormon and hearing about how simple the gospel of Christ is. The spirit is always so strong whenever we talk about our Savior, for He is the real reason we are out here as missionaries. I am so grateful for him and his sacrifice and the chance I have to be one of his representatives. What a blessing it is to share His gospel with others.

We had a couple of fun/ funny experiences this week. First of all, on Friday we were walking through the snow and we were crossing the street with out heads down to try to keep the snow out of our faces. As I was crossing the street this bus starts honking at us... I had no clue why but kept walking but he kept honking. Finally I looked up at him and the driving was waving us down. I stopped and he opened the doors and said, "Hey, I know you guys are far from home and I just wanted to say hello and I hope you have a good day." It for SURE brought tears to my eyes. It was one of the nicest things that someone in New York has ever done. It was so great!

So then later that day, we had a zone blitz and we were going to this place called "the Polo Grounds" it's a bunch of projects and I guess it is kind of a sketch place. Anyway, our whole zone walks out of the subway and this guy starts talking to us like he is a pirate... it was the best pirate I ever heard. He was saying things like, "Watch out your latter day land lovers, Pirate coming through!" Ok, it was the funnies thing ever! I was rolling on the ground laughing. I guess, once again, you had to be there but it was so great! Gotta love New York City!

The work continues to roll forward. I love it more and more every day! I am so happy that I am here (even in the freezing cold and while wearing a skirt) I love you all! Keep on keeping on!

Love, Hermana Passantino

Snowfall in Inwood...cold but beautiful!

Two elders from my old District in the Bronx found this and took this pic for me! How perfect right?

Another Snowy Day in NYC!

Hello again from NYC!
It is snowing like crazy... I swear there is more snow this winter than last. Luckily, this year I have some good snow boots so I am staying A LOT more dry than last year. Last year I had to put plastic bags on my feet, ghetto I know! But yeah, we have been super cold here the last week! (Gosh, I am always talking about the weather... I am so lame!) But besides the cold, we are doing really well. Like I said, the work is picking up a lot in this area now and so we are SO grateful for that. I love having appointments to go to and feeling as that we are able to help people. Having busy days just makes the work so great!
We had a couple of cool miracles this week that have been so wonderful. First, we had a former investigator show up at church. She had never been taught by us but we had tried to go look her up right when Hna. Anderson got here. She was really cool but super busy so we never had the chance to teach her. The last couple of weeks, every time we would pass by her apartment, Hna. Anderson and I would mention her and always just have her on our minds. So then on Sunday, she showed up to church with a member. It was so cool! We have an appointment with her on Saturday. She stayed for all three hours and was participating in class! We are excited to see how that works out.
We continue to teach Cesar and he is progressing just wonderfully towards baptism. It has been soo cool to see him willing accept the commandments and follow them even if they are hard for him. Our last appointment he prayed and it was such a great prayer. I just love hearing people pour out their souls to their Heavenly Father. It is such a sweet experience.
In our district meetings we are reviewing the new lessons that they will be teaching in the MTC. They are AWESOME! Every time we have them I get some new insight on how I can help specific investigators, I love it! Elder Torres is our district leader and he does such a good job. We just love these meetings.
So here is a fun story: The other day a less active member asked us to come over to help move some stuff in her apartment. We showed up and she said that we weren't strong enough so we needed to call the elders and have them help. So we call them, wait for like 45 minutes and then she has them move like three super small boxes (we could have moved them just fine) It was pretty funny. Then she had each of us missionaries pray... but pray for something different. Hna. Anderson and Elder Martin and I could just NOT hold it in... it was so funny! We were all laughing so hard, but so was our member. Now retelling this story, it's really not that funny, but it was really funny in the moment. Wow, I am no longer funny. Ha... sorry guys!
I hope everyone has a wonderful week! Remember the help the missionaries in your area and share that testimony you have. I know this is Gods work here on the earth! I love it with all my heart!
Con Amor- Hermana Passantino

Hna. Anderson and I.... right after that I fell in the snow. We were wet but it was fun :)

We figured out that NY snow doesn't stick so Elder Wright and I decided to cover Elder Shepherd!

Hna. Anderson took this pic of me while I was getting ready to start a snowman... it was just a random pic and it turned out so cool huh?

Hna. Anderson and I at some place in Central Park

Stardate: 32.817

Well, so let me tell you that I asked the Elders for a creative subject and this was the most creative... thanks Elder Sather. I guess it's from Star Trek.... anyway, moving on....
This week has just been great! We have felt 1000% better so I feel great about that and we were able to have so much success this last week! I was talking to my District Leader the week before and he said, "Don't worry Sis. Passantino, whenever we have bad weeks, it's because good weeks are coming." Boy was he right! This week has just been wonderful! So for the highlights of the week:
First of all, on Thursday we met with a lady we tracted into named Daisy. We had tracted into her about a week before and she told us to come back. We did and he had SUCH a good first lesson with her. She knows a couple people who are members of the church and she wants to know what it is all about. She had seen some advertisements on the TV for the youth of the church and she knew that it must be good because we want to help the youth so much. She is so great! The spirit was so strong and she is ready and willing to do what she needs to do to receive and answer to her prayers. I love lessons like that. They just pump you up for the rest of the week. She is so great and I am so excited to see her progress. The Lord really does lead us to the prepared people, we just have to find them and follow the spirit. As long as we are working hard we will see miracles. Man, she is so cool. She even committed to reading the Book of Mormon for one hour every day (a goal she set for herself). I am just so excited!
Then on Sunday, I got a call for a missionary in the Bronx. He said he had a referral for us and gave us the information. It was for a guy that had come to church in the Bronx a couple times but lives in our area. On Sunday one of our appointments canceled on us so we went by his house. He is so cool and really prepared. He accepted a baptismal date for Feb 12. His name is Cesar and he is just so cool. We have taught him a couple times since then and he has loved it! I just love when people know that it is true and can feel of the spirit in their houses. Oh man, we are so excited about it!
On Friday we got invited to go to Mission Counsel in Sacrsdale. It is usually for the Zone leaders and District Leaders but for some reason a couple of sisters were invited to go! It was great. As usual, I love being in meetings like that with President Smith. I know he leads this mission under the direction of our Heavenly Father. It was a great surprise to go. We found out the morning of the meeting so we traveled to Scarsdale that day and had a great time. The spirit was strong and it was great to be motivated to get out there and keep going! Plus I got to see some of my favorite missionaries which was wonderful! I loved it!
Hna. Anderson and I have been having a blast together. The other day while tracting we did a slow motion fight in the hallway. We thought it was so funny! We also do the hoicks pocus witch walk while walking down the street... don't worry, it's while no one is watching. Then one morning we were standing in front of the mirror getting ready and at the same time did the same dance move to the EFY song... so funny! We just get along so well. I have been best friends with every companion I have had. I feel so blessed!
Well, I love you all so much! Thanks for all the love that I get from you all, especially the ones that write me faithfully :) Have an amazing week!
Con amor- Hermana Passantino

Another Snowy Day in NYC!

Hello hello!
Well, here I am emailing from a city covered in white freezing cold, fluffy wet stuff. We are planning a snow day in central park which would be a BLAST and I have wanted to do it since I've gotten here. We just have to wait for the ok from President before a bunch of missionaries take over central park and make a bunch of missionary snow men. Ha ha, I think I am so creative! But you better believe that it will be happening if we get to! If not, maybe I will just make one at a park by our house, although, after seeing Elf, a snowball fight in central park would be a blast as well. But maybe not with the elders, just because they throw hard and I don't feel like getting a snowball to the face!
This last week has been a bit rough for Hna. Anderson and I. We both were hit with some weird sicknesses that took a bit to get over. I think Brian's strep throat got sent to me through the computer! Ha ha, just kidding. I didn't get it near as bad as him but I was down for a bit. I will have to agree on what he says when talking about the blessings of health. It is so wonderful to feel healthy and well so that you can go on and preach the gospel. Luckily, this week we are both feeling a lot better and we are working hard. This week has already started out well and we are excited to see results!
This week we have decided to work on having confidence in our message. Sometimes when we contact people or we go tracting, we just feel like we bugging people and that they just don't care! But this week we have been trying hard to focus on the fact that we have a message that is going to change their lives! "This isn't a high school football game for goodness sakes, this is eternal salvation " (That is a quote Brian used in his last letter to me and I loved it!) We also have been focusing a lot on acting and not "reacting" to different situations. I think a lot of times we blame so much on "what other people do" when in reality, we have the choice to act on our own! No one can make us act or feel one way or another, we get to choose. Isn't that cool? We can always be happy! So, as Hermana Anderson and I walk down the street and get rejected 20 times in a row, we still keep smiles on and keep going, because we can act!
Anyway, I hope everything is going well where all of you are! I heard it is pretty cold all through the US so try to stay warm and I will be doing the same! Thanks for all your love! Until next week...
Con Amor- Hermana Passantino
PS: We got to teach a Buddhist guy this last week. It was interesting but he was really nice. We meet to many cool people out here!

District Photo

Some random statue in Harlem that I thought was funny... so I took a pic with it

Another District Photo.. we were in the church library

Well, this picture doesn't do it justice but this was a HUGE pile of trash... will someone find out what they do with all the garbage from NYC?

Another Round in the City...

Well, our mission is very interesting. We have 4 zones in the city and 3 zones that are upstate. It seems that most missionaries tend to spend most of their time in the city given the names "city missionaries" and the rest in upstate given the names "upstate missionaries". (I know, you are all smart and got that, don't ask me why I spent time explaining it) Anyway, I am once again staying in the City for this transfer which REALLY makes me a "city missionary" although we already knew that. Transfer calls last night were actually some of the hardest that I have gone through... weird, I know. Here's the story...
So, I have wanted to serve in CT for a LONG time... and this transfer Hna. Baxter is leaving, perfect timing for me to go. But from some news that I heard on Saturday I was pretty positive that I would be staying in Inwood another cycle. I got my whining out and came to grips that I needed to stay. So, last night comes around and about 2 hours before transfer calls come in President Smith calls me. Now, when President Smith calls you on the night of transfers, you know he is thinking up something. So he starts to ask about my area and how my companion is doing with Spanish and all this stuff. He had read my email and knew that I wanted to go to CT. I, of course, am freaking out a bit just because I was so sure I was staying but then my hopes went up again that maybe I would be going! I asked him but President just told me to "sit tight" next to the phone and he'll let me know. So the rest of the night I was just so anxious to get transfer calls. They finally came in and well, I am staying here. In fact, nothing with the Sisters really changed that much. But for some reason, I was being a grumpy guss because a lot of my favorite people to serve around were all going upstate without me. Here is the city girl STAYING in the city again (with only two more cycles after this one)... I kind of was feeling sorry for myself while we walked to our last appointment of the night. We went to visit a member who was baptized earlier this year. We sang the song, "I'll go where you want me to go" and the whole time I was thinking of myself and how I just wished where I wanted to go could have been where the Lord wanted me to go. After the opening prayer our member told us that her mom and passed away. She said that song was perfect because she knows that each of us have a purpose to accept the will of the Lord. I felt so selfish. The whole time I was thinking about myself when I was missing the bigger picture of it all. We aren't here to serve around our friends and to go where we want to go. We do what the Lord wants, and every time we receive the better end of the deal. This mission isn't for me, it's so I can serve others. I am so grateful that the Lord is over this mission. I know that we are in the places where HE needs us most. The good news is... I GET TO BE WITH HNA. ANDERSON AGAIN and I just love her so I am sooo happy about that! The Lord always teaches us what we need and if staying in the city again is where I need to be, then I am ready and willing. (Although I still am NOT to happy about another winter in the city... I was hoping for a car so I didn't have to battle the snow much :)

So, there are a lot of changes in the mission and it is going to be an interesting cycle. We have some really good potentials for this coming cycle on baptisms and we continue to work hard. This area kind of wears at your body because of all the walking so we are tired A LOT... but it is nice to know that we are tired because we are working hard and doing the Lords work. I love it! We had the chance to go to the temple today and I was so grateful for that time to take a couple hours out of the busy city life and reflect on the things of the Lord. I am so blessed to have a temple in my mission. That may be the last time I get to go before I come home... weird. Time continues to fly by and I find myself getting more lost in the work. I just feel like I still have so much to learn and do! I continue to be grateful that the Lord knows what I need and how I will best grow. Although we have challenges, we sometimes need to take a step back and look at the blessings we have. They always outweigh the bad stuff.

It seems that my family seems to be having a rough time with the whole health situation... my goodness, everyone needs to get these sicknesses out of the way please! Ha ha, I know it's not your fault and I will keep you in my prayers! I hope everyone is having a great New Year! I love you all! Until next week....
Con Amor- Hermana Passantino

Elder Maxfield joked about us falling into a snow bank and dying so we took this, we call it the Blizzard aftermath!

Deadly New York City Sludge... it is awful and sucks you in!

New Year's Eve 2010-Hermana Anderson and Hermana Passantino 80's Style!

Fun in the Snow!

Spoiled with Daddy's Ravioli's Fedex Style! Yum, my favorite!

Christmas Eve Dinner Dominican Style!

Christmas P.J.'s!

It's a Beautiful Life!

Well, I can not even believe that it is already 2011. My mind is just going crazy on how fast this last year has flown by. As I sat inside yesterday I was just so grateful for the last year that I have had to be a missionary. It has been the best year of my life. It has been hard but amazing, all at the same time. I loved 2010 but I have high hopes for 2011 as well, it's going to be a great year, I can feel it now!
We had to be in at 6:00 pm last night. It's a good thing, it was kind of crazy outside. The line at this store that sales only alcohol was HUGE (so sad). It's funny because New York City is always such the happening place for New Years Eve and here I am, living in Manhattan, and I was actually happy to be inside so early. We played some really fun games. I have become a little bit obsessed with Yahtzee and Phase 10. CJ and Mom are in for a bum whooping when I get home in Yahtzee. Today we played with Elder Fox and Elder Duran and Elder Duran got 3 Yahtzees in a row, what the heck? Ha ha, but it's ok, I still love that game! We also played a mean game of Phase 10 of 7 of us missionaries. It took FOREVER and I am pretty sure we all cheated at some point. Ha ha.
Not too much has happened since I last emailed. Transfers are next week so we will see what happens. I really have NO clue at all. If I don't get transferred this cycle, then I will for sure next cycle. Just so I have my last two cycles somewhere else. I just can not believe how fast time is going. It is pushing me to work harder because I really feel that time is running out.
I hope everyone had a good new year. As far as my new years resolutions: Work my hardest my last three cycles in the mission, come home find a job and a husband. Ha ha! And yes family, I am still working on the split end picking, I told you it would be done when I get home... and it will be :) Love you all! Have a amazing day and I can't wait to hear from you on Wednesday!
The church is true, this work is amazing, I love my Savior... it's a beautiful life!
Con Amor- Hermana Passantino