NOVEMBER 07, 2016 

 I WAS BORN IN THE GHETTO, I THRIVE IN THE GHETTO!

Hey Everyone!!!!

Its hard to believe that I'm HERE! Its so great! Its nothing like i ever Imagined but I love it still the same! 

Florida is great! the weather is perfect. There is water EVERYWHERE. Its so green and awesome! The bugs are crazy and so for that reason,I have to wear PANTS....yup. but its all good, i dont want Zika. 

My first dinner on Tuesday was with a Cuban. I had no idea what was going on the entire time and felt like I learned absolutely nothing in the MTC. BUT, I feel like I have already made so much progress with my Spanish! The first day was the hardest. Ive learned that I really hate knocking. A lot. I'm not sure why. but honestly the biggest thing is that we keep a good attitude and are positive about everything. Its hard. Its not supposed to be easy or even fun sometimes. That's not the purpose. 

But I LOVE the people. Especially all the recent converts that we work with, they are amazing! i love them!!!! They all have amazing stories and are truly converted to this gospel. Its inspiring. Their faith is amazing. I love talking to them and they are so patient with my Spanish its awesome. 

Our ward is so great!!!! They are so loving and awesome. Everyone just kept on giving us food ahahah. We got like these random zip block bags of crackers and stale cereal. It was kinda odd but that's just how they show their love and appreciation to the missionaries. Yesterday we started meeting with the auxiliaries to try to locate the less-active members and it got us SO EXCITED to go to work. We are really feeling so motivated and excited right now. This week is going to be amazing!!! 

My companions names is Hermana Leslie. Shes so sweet and patient with me and I am so grateful for her!! She is from Idaho and just awesome!. All the missionaries here are exactly obedient to everything. Its not cool if your not obedient.Its going to be so good for me! Im so ready to just learn and grow so much. 

Right now I am serving in the Miami Lakes North ward. This area is pretty much all Spanish speakers which has been so great. I have met people from all over the world. Its the definition of a melting pot. The people are so loving and humble here and I have just been so blessed to be called to serve them. I am not 100% confident in my Spanish at all but I am working so hard and so motivated to be able to talk and interact with them more. 

I'm so ready for this experience. Its hard. A lot harder than I ever imagined but it gives me so many opportunities to exercise my faith in the Lord and his will. I know that HE called me here to represent him to these people. I know that HE knows me and loves me and all of his children in this area. I truly love these people so much. They are amazing. Im so humbled to be given this opportunity. I cant wait to have another week out here. I love you guys and am thankful for your constant support and love for me! I can feel it all the way down here in Miami Gardens, Florida! I pray for all the time! Stay close to the Lord! 

Hermana Staffieri