Abraham 2:12

Hola!

Almost 100 emails down under my belt, and I can´t believe I´m adding one and final one to that countdown. Last words you´re getting from me with my lovely name tag still on. To say this is unreal is an understatement. 

This transfer has been really interesting because we´ve had activities every week making the weeks fly by. I think that was a hidden tender mercy from my Savior because He knew that if I every paused to look at the calendar I would have a mental breakdown. 

This last week was full of lasts: Last Intercombio, Last Zone Conference, and last Thanksgiving in Spain. Made me really try to enjoy every moment. On my calendar it says "Live up every moment." I really tried to apply that advice. 

In Zone Conference I along with the other 3 missionaries going home in my Zone, were invited to give our last testimonies as part of the conference. I was really surprised, and nervous to do it. Before we went up we sand the hymn "Divina Luz" or "Lead Kindly Light" which has become my mission hymn. I was filled with peace and was grateful to my Heavenly Father for His small acts of kindness and love. I bore my testimony, but to me it was still so unreal! I pleaded that the missionaries continue to love the people, truly sincerely love them. That is the only way to do this work. Our mission president said "If you aren´t doing the work with love, you´rent doing the Lords work." I believe that so strongly! 

It´s been hard to realize that now I have to leave behind something that I´ve given my whole heart too for the last 18 months, the people, places, culture, everything. It´s been hard to realize that life will just keep going on without you. I know that sounds egoistic, but it´s hard to realize that you´re just an ant in the colony. I just feel peace knowing that I contributed at least a little to the work. I ran across a quote that said "What we do in this life echoes in the eternities." That brought me a lot of peace knowing that even though it may seem small, my thread will help weave a beautiful tapestry here in Spain. 

I will say we had a FANTASTIC thanksgiving here in Spain. There was 5 american families that combined together to make this special for everyone. My companion and I went over to a members house and helped her cook which made me remember the times of cooking in my grandma´s kitchen with my family.  The food was so good I could´t be more grateful. 

As I reflect over these last 18 months I am filled with such gratitude. The people I have been blessed to meet, the growing, the learning, the ups and downs, the sights, smells, tastes, the Spirit, everything. There is no way I could have imagined when I opened my call on the 6th of February almost 2 years ago that I would have lived through all this. The Lords had has guided me and shaped me to be a better person. He´s allowed me to help others feel the love that Christ has for them. 

I think more then anything He´s allowed me to learn from them. I´ve learned so much from the people I have been blessed to meet, charity, service, dedication, humility, loyalty. The people of Spain have a place in my heart that will never be erased. I´m forever a Real Madrid fan! I´m forever a believer in Jamon Serrano. I´m a believer that every meal should be accompanied with a loaf of baguette bread. I´m covered to using a fan during the summer. I´m in love with the Spanish people. The way they can´t walk and talk at the same time. I´m in love with their daily naps. I´m in love with the old man and their sweaters! I LOVE SPAIN! The thought of leaving them, here behind brings tears to my eyes. However I know that I´ll be back here someday, I touched the Madrid Bears foot. That´s a promise made, and a promise I will keep. 

I will say to anyone that is thinking about going on a mission to DO IT! I will never regret serving a mission. This has been the biggest blessing for my life, and the life of my family. I have grown stronger in my testimony of the gospel, and have grown to emulate just a bit more my Savior. I´ve seen His hand daily. I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon that I could never deny. I know that this is the true church of God. I know that God loves us. I know that Jesus is our Savior and the plan is perfect. We just have to do our part. I believed all this 18 months before, but now defending these very beliefs help me to KNOW it. Know it with every fiber of my being. Just as I know the sun will raise daily, i know that the Son of God rose on the third day. That we all will rise one day. For that knowledge alone I´m grateful for my mission. 

Well. Nothing more to do now then to keep pushing hard. Keep sharing the gospel. Keep shining the Light of Christ that radiates from us. 

Thank you. Thank you for all your support in these last 18 months. It´s been such a help to me in ways you´ll never know! I can´t wait to see you all! BIG HUG IS COMING TO YOU IN JUST A LITTLE OVER A WEEK! 

Con Amor,

Hermana Shurtz

PS (right now my comp is playing "I´ll be home for Christmas..." She´s got a sick sense of humor.) 

PPS I LOVE YOU ALL!

But Like Did They Have Bodies?

Hola!

Another incredible week here in B5 ( I can´t find a good adjective to describe how amazing this week was, one day we will be able to express really how we feel!) I´ve been struggling with going home this last week. It´s been a tornado of feelings of excitement, fear, nerves, anxiety, happiness, shock. All rolled up in a nasty spanish tortilla! Yesterday after church I asked the elders Harris and Miller to give me a blessing to help me feel some peace. From the moment their hands left my head I´ve felt a lot better. God is so good and I´m so grateful for the priesthood that we have and that there are good men out there who are willing and worthy to give blessings. 

We´ve still been pushing it with less actives around here. Javi, from Peru is our main concentration. We have been reading with him the Book of Mormon every time we meet with him. We´ve seen SUCH an incredible change in Javi! He´s come to church for all three meetings a month in a row now. That hasn´t happened in almost 8 months. He seems happier and his testimony is stronger. It´s incredible to see the power the Book of Mormon has to change people´s lives. 

We were also blessed to have a member of the 70 Elder Christenson come to meet with us on Thursday. It was a whole day long event. In the morning he met with us, just the missionaries. Then later in the night there was a big 5 stake fireside where we were invited to stay and bring investigators, and less actives. I really loved the message Christenson gave. He went on a five minute spill for those about to go home saying that we should remember all the wonderful things we´ve learned on the mission and that we should carry it throughout the rest of our lives. That really helped me a lot (seeing how i´ll be going home...) 

There was a pretty funny moment because he opened it up for questions and one elder asked if Peter James and John had physical bodies when they gave the priesthood to Joseph. We then went on a 40 minute spill about how angels are always with us... I thought it was pretty funny. Miscommunications always kill me. 

I was also SO blessed to have a reunion with EVERYONE from my old areas at the fireside. I legit saw at least 1 person from all my areas (including the islands) I was also able to see the MTC President and his wife which was such a blessing for me because I adore the man. One point a member from Azuqueca surprised me by bringing food for me, somehow she found out I was going to be at the fireside so she brought food over for me just in case I needed some. SO SWEET! 

The food situation at our piso has been a bit... interesting. We´ve been pretty low on money so our creativity has been pushed as to what we can eat with 5 ingredients. I will say I am no longer a picky eater. I´ve eaten some pretty weird crap. 

I just wanted to say that I feel very safe here. I know there is some horrible things going on around the world right now, but I´ve never felt scared, or nervous once for my life. I have felt the prayers of the members around the world always with me! I am grateful for the protecting hand of the Lord. Our prayers have been for the people of France. We are so blessed to know that we are with the Prince of Peace and that the battle has already been won. 

I love you all. I miss you so much. Have a great Thanksgiving. Our plans is to eat with all the american families here in B5! I´m pretty excited, might even make some famous shurtz rolls....!

Con Amor,

Hermana Shurtz

Saying Goodbye to the White House

Hola!

So this week was action packed! We had to go to Pavones a ton this week due to our turn at the temple session, and us going for Choir Practice. A 70 is coming this thursday and he requested a choir performance. So my comp signed us up  to be a part of it... fabulous. So we were able to go several times which was a huge blessing for me. I love being at the temple square it just fills me with such memories! 

It was hard though because it was my last temple session here in the madrid temple. The beginning of "finals" as a missionary. It hit me really really hard, but as I sat in the celestial room (bawling) I was able to find some peace. I have loved my time here. I love the time I have left here. I wouldn´t trade it for the world. What filled me with peace is this isn´t the end, my chapter as a "full time missionary" maybe closing, but just like the never ending mirrors life goes on for an eternity. These memories, these friendships, these miracles, these growing pains, will stay with me and those that have been affected forever. So even though I wont be able to wear this chapa doesnt mean I wont be able to keep sharing the light of christ.

I´m grateful for the Lord. He really hasn´t left my side this week. I´ve been filled with His love and I´m hopeful that I can continue to share that love with others. 

Have a great week. I miss you all.

Con Amor,

Hermana Shurtz

Final Countdown

Contemplating outside of the Pavones or the temple metro stop

Hola!

Greetings from the Big Apple here in Europe. Where all the cool OG's
chill. I'm loving being here more and more everyday. Today was the
start of my very last transfer. One left. I had a friend my last
agenda for me... It's covered in marriage quotes. She wants me to get
pumped for my new "adventure" in life...

My comp and I are together another one! I am so happy that she is
going to "kill me" I literally am obsessed with this girl. I don't
think she could talk bad bout a single person. I joke around and say
that I could say Hitler was a bad guy and shed say "I really like his
mustache though." Angel from God this one.

On Thursday we had a meeting with the other missionaries in our zone
about talking to everyone. I really enjoyed it because they didn't go
with the same "contact!" spill. This time it was help members! Which
I'm always down with. It was a testimony builder to me because I fell
like is new president and I share the same philosophy.

I shared an example of a cute Filipino girl in our ward who said that
she's never had missionaries visit her family, her mom explained it
this way "missionaries only visit people who need it." That broke my
heart. Everyone needs a lift me up from the missionaries. So our goal
this transfer is to visit the unvisited. We want to help everyone feel
the love our savior has for them.

I hope you are all doing well. I miss you and love you a ton!

Con amor,
Hermana Shurtz

Visiting Old Friends

Hola!

I am sitting here in the house of the cabanas from Azuqueca. My comp
was a champ and has followed me around as I went to visit some good
friends. I have been on cloud nine being here knowing that the
feelings of friendship that we gain here will always be with us.

This week was really good! I'm sorry I can't write this week. I love
and miss you all.

Con amor,
Hermana Shurtz

You Can Call Me Queen Bee

Hola!

What an incredible week here in B5! It was packed full of unsurprised
tender mercies from the Lord.

On Tuesday we went to go visit our deaf investigators art exhibit and
he surprised us by taking us to he roof which allows you to see ALL of
Madrid. I felt like I was in some posh music video, there was people
sprawled out drinking wine. It was LEGIT. What was the best was
Fransisco surprised us by showing us one of his paintings that was
inspired by The First Vision. It was a grove of trees! How precious.


Then... I may have done something a smidge ridiculous. I liberally
told my companion that I "knew" how to cut hair... When in reality I
haven't done it in years and I've only done it twice... So we bought
some cheap scissors... And I prayed and hoped for the best.

Well.. One snap to soon and instead of cutting off the trims I ended
up cutting off about six inches off her hair. I saw the hair drop and
said "oh no. Oh no. I just did something very bad." Surprisingly she
didn't get mad. Well. Not to mad.

We had to have an Hermana in barrio 1 help us out. Sister respects to you!

On church Sunday we have to translate for Fransisco and it's
incredible how much we've learned. The gift of tongues is real!

I am currently hanging out with all my loved ones on the mission! So
that's a good p day in my book.

I love the Lord and I'm loving my mission!

Con amor,
Hermana Shurtz

Coughin´ the Lungs Away

Hola!

Due to the bipolar weather that is going down with Madrid my body decided to have a meltdown and shutdown for a whole week. So unfortunately I had to take a few "sick days" on the Lords Vineyard. 

One thing I love though about being sick here in Spain is that everyone here feels they have the right, no need, to tell you how to cure yourself. On sunday here was the recommendations I was given..

"Squirt two lemons in your nose and your cured!"

 

"Boil some milk then pour two spoonfuls of honey in and your all good!"

"Get some lemon juice, heat it up then put some honey!"

"Wear a scarf and that bug will go away!"

Literally kills me. I love that whenever I have been ill on the mission they feel the need to give me all this voodoo home remedies to cure me. Love it. I will say though that my spanish rasp has never been more spot on this week! Moment of silence to the Madrid smoker voice accent. Love it. 

This week we were able to go to the temple. Even though I was sick there was NO way I was going to miss the chance to go. I love being in the temple it just recharges you. Gives you a big old boost to be better! After the temple we had a district meeting, and I apparently was delirious (or so my comp says....  I don't really remember it that well). Apparently I had them dying laughing though. So that´s good right. 

Overall a really good week. I love my companion and I´m grateful for the chance to serve here with her. Have a great week! 

Con Amor,

Hermana Shurtz

P.S. The rain in spain DOES fall mainly on the plains. 

My district

"Menos Activo Fan!"

Hola!

Another wonderfully wet week here in Cuatro Caminos! My companion and
I are killing it here! The weather decided to go mad crazy and rain
all the time, but I'm still wearing my nasty sandals with summer
pride!

Segovia was pretty much awesome!

This week my comp and I were able to have interviews with President.
It was my last interview in the field and it was amazing! He really
gave me good advice on how to finish strong, and what I should do when
I get home. I explained that in my mission I've always felt like I've
been the less active activist and he said "we are a team, and we all
have a role to play so your role has not been any different or less
important then those who have baptized." That made me feel really
good!

Tender mercy this week I always collect bibles in every church I've
served in. But this church I haven't been able to find one. Then
miracle during zone conference I got up and when I came back there was
this bible sitting on top of my backpack? I have no idea how it got
there, miracles exist.

We are currently waiting in dunkin doughnuts waiting for a bus to take
us to Segovia! So excited to go!

I miss you all have a great week.
Con amor,
Hermana Shurtz

Hitting up Segovia this week for "P" day!

Did You Just Become My Best Friend?

Hola!

Another AMAZIN week here in the heart of Spain. I have had such a
blast this week with my new comp. We put two and two together really
quickly and agreed that we are soul mates. We have the same sense of
humor, the same interests, and the same favorite shows. I literally
love her. Within the first day my stomach was sore from laughing so
hard.

This week has been jam packed! What with conference this week we tried
getting everyone to come to the church to hear the words of the modern
prophets. Our biggest concern was how we were going to help our deaf
investigator Fransisco understand it. We racked our brains, prayed
really hard, but it seemed like we couldn't do anything:there was no
Spanish sign language option, no subtitles... Nothing. Then we found
out he understands American Sign Language and we had him watch the
conference on my iPad while we watched in English. So amazing!

Amazing blessing with this conference, is we as missionaries went to
the stake center in Pavones and there I was able to see a TON of old
friends from ALL my old wards that I've served in, including the
islands! It was such a blessing to me. It's amazing. I was thinking
that this is what heaven is going to be like when we see old friends
and embrace one another. It's just beautiful.

Weird moment that happened this week: Vasas and I were at the church
making calls when a random man showed up to try to convince us that
the bishop had given him permission to live there. Uh? So I told him
that he couldn't enter while we were there. We then called EVERYONE
but no one answered. The level of awkward was high. Finally we got a
hold of the bishop and told the man he was mistaken and then he left.
That isn't the best part... Later in correlation our 2nd counselor
chewed out the elders saying that they should drop anything and defend
the "honor" of the hermanas if anything like that ever happens again.
My comp and I relished in it. But it was funny cause one of the elders
told me later "Hermana you are the last person I would be worried
about. I would call you if I got into some trouble." What up!


I have to say I LOVED conference. It was such a powerful experience
for me. My comp and I really were hoping for some Holland Cry to
Repentance. We were not disappointed. I loved the spirit I felt.
Especially when we would sing the intermediate hymn together, it hit
me that all the saints around the world was singing in one voice, one
prayer, with one heart towards the Lord. Gave me chills. Our dear
President Monson is a holy man. My prayers go out to him, we all sat
in reverent silence as he gave his powerful testimony. I do love the
man.

The church is so true. I pray we do as Erying said and put into
practice the things the spirit told us we needed to change. I am
grateful for living apostles on the earth and that the work will keep
going forth until the King of Kings comes to reins. I'm grateful for
the Love my Heavenly Father has shown me to send me such an amazing
companion. God really is so good to us.

I miss you all.

Con amor,
Hermana Shurtz

I've Run Out of Good Titles.

me and my old comp with some other Hermana's

Hola!

My "write weekly email time" got cut a bit short this week due to
helping my comp PACK! Boo got the call and is heading to Pavones. I am
going to be with Hermana Vasas who has to be one of the funniest
people I've met. We've received many comments that we will by far be
the funniest companionship in the mission, and with two hours together
I can testify to that.

This week was a week of goodbyes. It was weird being on the other side
of the veil, because I remember how hard it was to leave my first
area. But it's always good for a change! That I've been so grateful
for, change. You really need it to grow and evolve as a person.

Funny story for the week: my comp and I were about to enter the metro
to head to an appointment, but the metro was PACKED full. My comp said
that we should wait for the next one, but me with my Shurtz pride
ignored her. I entered the metro thinking shed jump in too.... Wrong
o. The doors started closing, and I was on one side while she on the
other. My heart stopped "I can't be without my comp" we both started
hitting the door button frantically! I was able to get the door to
stop and then I started pulling the doors to create more space. My
comp said I looked like hulk, ha! I was able to slide through (I don't
know how!) and stay with her. Luckily the doors didn't shut while I
was sliding out because when they shut they shut. Miracles exist.
Lesson learned? Trust your comp.

It's been a good week. I love my savior and I am so grateful for the
love He offers every single one of us.

Con amor,
Hermana Shurtz

package from home

Do I Stay or Do I Go?

Hola!

Five weeks now under my belt here in the big city. The weathers been a
bit bipolar, one minute it's rainy and windy then later it's hotter
then a July afternoon. So I don't know what's Madrid's deal but I hope
it figures out its mood changes quickly.

This week was the second week before the transfer ends and my comp has
been going cuckoo for coco puffs wondering where she is going. I've
been giving her a hard time saying that she's going to stay one more
here with me. She's been here almost six months now and girls ready to
open up her wings and fly from the nest. We'll find out here this
Saturday what's going to go down. Everyone has been giving ME a hard
time that I might train.... I don't think it's very funny pero bueno.

We had two really cool moments where we saw God using us as
instruments in His hands. One was we started looking through the area
book for old investigators to call and I saw a name from a less active
that hasn't been visited in months, I felt the need to call her. On
Tuesday we met and come to find out she had been praying to come back
to church and didn't know how, later that day we called her. Miracles!
Then secondly, I decided to call a less active to help us with a
lesson. Turns out the same time we had a lesson was the same moment he
had planned to go hang out with some people that aren't the best
influences for him. He told us he knew God was looking out for him.
GOD IS SO GOOD!

My comp and I are doing great, working hard, and having a ton of fun!
I miss you all! Have a great week! Watch the Mormon message Lift,
makes me bawl every time!

Con Amor,
Hermana Shurtz

My comp was sick one day so I decided to snap a photo while she was sleeping

*insert crafty title*

Hola! 

Once again another great week here in Cuatro Caminos! No complaints on this side of the world. The weather is cooling down, I'm actually able to wear a sweater! The people stop and listen, but then they give you the famous Spanish wave of the finger and walk away. I'm finally understanding the metro here! Things are going great! 

One awesome thing that happened this week was we were able to help an investigator move out of her house. She has been meeting with missionaries for the last 7+ months and due to work she had to move up to A Coruña. So we went over and helped her pack, and then bring the packages to the mail office. It was nice to show her how much we really care for her by taking time and helping her out. We then said our goodbyes and she thanked us for always being so charitable. I feel that we should always try to leave people with a good impression, if it's a contact on a street, an investigator, member, you name it. So that they can always remember the good that we did when they think of the church. That's my personal goal at least. 

Funny story for the week: We were eating at a less active families home this week. They are from the Dominican Republic, and it's always a party! We met one of the sons for the first time, who just so happens to be a professional dancer. We were talking and he told me he knew English. I asked him to say what he knew in English and to my surprise said "do you want to kiss?" I busted out laughing so hard. I don't know if the poor guy was hitting on me, but I think my loud laughter scared him away because he didn't talk to me in English or Spanish after that. 

I was told once that the mission is the MTC for life. I have to agree with that 100% I firmly believe that my mission has prepared me more for my future then anything else I could have done with my life. I have learned more about myself, who I really am, my goals, my weaknesses, my strengths. I have learned how to live with others (11 comps, all with very different pet peeves, strengths and weaknesses.) I have learned the importance of open and honest communication. I've learned about compromise. Learning when to speak, and when to keep your mouth shut (I still got a lot to improve on that point, but I'm a lot better then before!) I've learned how to cook, finance, clean, etc. There is so much that I've gained in these last 15 months that I wouldn't trade for the world. 

Most importantly though I've learned the importance of the gospel. Not only to know it, but to live it. I've seen the difference in those who live the gospel and those who don't. I know that the gospel is the plan of happiness. I'm grateful for the knowledge that I have and for the principals that I've been taught so that I can live a happier, fuller life. I've gained something in these last 15 months that I know can never be taken away, a firm love for my Savior and His atoning sacrifice for me. 

Im grateful for the age change, because I know that if it hadn't had happened I wouldn't have had this beautiful experience. I am grateful for the mercy of my Savior who calls young kids to go out and preach His word. It's amazing the trust He puts in us. I'm grateful for my family who has supported me since I felt the need to serve. I'm grateful for being so richly blessed. I am amazed truly at the love Jesus offers me, and for every single one of us. 

I miss you all. Big hug coming your way! 

Con amor,

Hermana Shurtz

baseball game

Miming is Not Sign Languag

Hola!

I have a strong testimony of the harder you work the faster the week
goes by. My time has flown here in B5. I feel like I've only been here
a few days but in fact it'll almost be a month! What?! I'm loving it
though.

This week was a pretty incredible week, full of repentance, miracles,
laughs, and a few tears. It started of fun with a good game of
American Baseball. We played on this run down field, with some
members, investigators, less actives, misionareis, you name it. While
we were playing a kid stopped and watched. I went over to go talk to
him, he's from Cuba and hasn't seen anyone play baseball since he left
his country. It was a great door opener for a missionary moment, I
explained who we were and that he was invited to come and play. He
said he couldn't at that moment, but we exchanged numbers and we'll
see what happens in the future.

On Tuesday we met with a less active who had her heart shut to
missionaries before. But due to a good friend, who had served there
previous, telling her how awesome I am we were able to get an
appointment with her. We hit it off immediately, and she confessed
that she wanted to come back to church! My comp and I were pretty
stoked. Later that night we helped another less active family move.
Nothing like service to warm the hearts of those who are alittle cold
to the church

Wednesday was a good day. We were able to say goodbye to an
investigator of ours who is moving to Las Vegas this week. He took us
to a book store (he knows me so well!) then we had a lesson in Taco
Bell. Best part? The cashier in Taco Bell, his mom is a member, and
because he saw that we are missionaries he gave us a discount. Yup.
Turns out that Utah missionaries aren't the only ones who get hook
ups! What goes around comes back around 

Thursday was awesome! We had our Zone Conference, and we were combined
with the East Zone, which just so happens to be my old zone. So it was
a big old reunion for me! I was able to say hi to old friends, hear
ward gossip, hear how old investigators are doing. It's honestly the
best part about zone conferences. That, and the recharge that you
feel. I loved the messages that President Pack, and Hermana Pack
shared. They really explained the importance of being a well rounded
missionary. To use ALL the tools we have to bring EVERYONE to come
unto Christ. Not just baptize, baptize, and baptize.

Also we were able to watch MEET THE MORMONS! Finally. I was so pumped
to watch it. It was in Spanish which made it even better. Secret?
Seeing the missionary story made EVERYONE trunky. Nothing like a good
old "goodbye" scene that makes you have a flashback to your own.

Later on Thursday. we met with an investigator named Fransisco. He's
Spanish, and he's deaf. He has a baptismal date for next month. He's
great! Teaching him is so fascinating, we write on the iPads and he
writes us back. He has been teaching me signs and I'm surprised at how
fast I'm picking it up. The gift of tongues (or signs) is real!

Friday was a very powerful day for me. My comp and I had a good sit
down, open conversation, about how we could be better as missionaries.
She was very open, and honest with me, and I with her. I realized I
had been blind to many of the things I had been doing wrong. She
helped me see that I had not been a well rounded missionary. My
focuses although good, was not where God wanted me to spend all my
time and energy. I had been neglecting a huge part of the missionary
experience, contacting. I had my priorities out of line, and although
my heart was in a good place I needed a reminder of my missionary
purpose. For that I'm super grateful for my companion who could help
me again focus on what we need to be doing as missionaries.

Sunday was a day full of miracles. We had a girl and her mother come
to church, mother isn't a member but would like to be. We ran into
some old investigators we had been praying to see again. We had a less
active run up to us asking to meet. It was just moment after moment
where you could see Gods hand orchestrating all of these little
moments together. Placing us and them in the right moment at the right
time.

Last night my comp was feeling a bit down so I decided to cheer her
up. We put on some music and used my deodorant, and hairspray as
microphones and danced and sang in our room like maniacs. Made her
feel a bit better. Work hard, play hard.

I know that my Savior lives. He loves us so much. He wants us to be
happy, and He knows the best way to be happy is through His gospel.
Repentance is a beautiful gift, and when we align our will with His
things go better. I'm forever grateful for my mission, I would not be
the person I am without it. I pray I can continue to repent, and grow
to become the daughter He knows I can be. I love you all. I can't wait
to give ya a big old hug!

Con amor,
Hermana Shurtz