Mon, Dec 27, 2010 at 8:35 AM

OK, so I am not going to mess with the pictures today. But I do have some to share, later.

Wow wow, you guys are soooooo awesome and I love you! The calls home were so perfect and calmed me down from the husle and busle of Christmas missionary work!!!!! Ya I was in tears too once I started talking to Johnny, ooo Elder Ochs. Yep and my voice might have been froggy cause I gots a sore throat hehe. I am sending out thanks and props to all who helped in this project to help me call my family and my brother!!!!!!! THANK YOU TODOS(EVERYONE)!!!!!

And I hope everyone has a GREAT AND AWESOME NEW YEAR!!! Let us all remember our Savior in this time and all through the year!! Bring it on 2011!!!!! I can not wait to work this year.

Thanks Mom and Dad for your support and council. I will go as long as I can and work my guts out, ewwwww that sounds gross. I will be the best I can be and more!!!! SO August it is August 8, 2011. woooooowhoooooo!

Yep, this Sunday was awesome. Doris was confirmed and her grandkids are not too far behind. We went over to their house last night and give them all their own Book of Mormon's and they were sooooo excited! Doris is being a awesome example for her family. Hey, even Rock Face wanted a Book of Mormon so we are going to bring him one soon. I am so Happy!

Today is P-day and we will see what fun things happen today. Lots and lots of Love!!!!!

Grandmas and Grandpas Ochs and Graham, you are my heroes and I love you sooooo much. I keep you in my prayers.

Take care!

Love con much Amor,

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Dec 20, 2010 at 8:04 AM

Hola famlia. The Internet is so evil right now and I have no idea what I am writing because I can not see a thing!!!! I feel like bitting someone! Ooooo ok I will be calm.

I love you guys amd I am sooo excited for Christmas. I hope that all is good!

Man, this week we have Conference and the Christmas party. Then we are going to have a sleepover at our house and I am practicing a Christmas song in Spanish to sing to you. I want to hear some Christmas music from you guys tooo!!! I am really so sorry for this crazy email. I did not get your email so I hope all is good. Please pray for me. I am really trying to stay positive in this crazy time.

I love you, I love you and I will talk to you guys soon! Have a Great Christmas!!!!

Hermana Ochs


Mon, Dec 20, 2010 at 8:30 AM

Dad you just talked to Johnny!!! Wow! I don´t know if I can call that early because we have a Christmas party that starts at 5 and our Baptism ends at 5. Man I wish I could talk to Elder Ochs too.


Mon, Dec 20, 2010 at 8:42 AM

Hello family. They moved us to a new place to check our emails and I am going to send some pictures, but I am sooooo much happier to be using a GOOD computer!!!! Bendiciones!

Ya wow I can not wait to call you guys! We have been working hard to get ready for this week and I hope that we can enjoy all this time here with the Zone, the Area and the Mission. I really am having such a GREAT TIME here and loving to sing and teach about Christ and his birth! I love this work!!!!!!

Haha, ya I want to talk to Johnny and the family and everyone. But I will be happy to talk to my Mommy and Daddy the Most!!!! Love you guys.

Hermana Ochs


Mon, Dec 20, 2010 at 8:53 AM

Yep Mom, the neighbor has been helping us decorate the house too! We bought a real Christmas tree and it really feels like Christmas here! I think of all the cool stuff you did for us as kids and I want to keep that stuff going in my life! Oooo and we have been exploring our area more and took some cool pics of the area.! That is Portero Grande and Bello Horizante! I love the area here! Sooo pretty!

I love you, I love you, I love you!!!! Give everyone hugs and kisses for me for Christmas!!!!!! I want to hear you sing too!!!! hehe keep on praying for me por favor!!!!!!!! I will keep you in my prayers too!!!

Love Hermana Ochs

Mon, Dec 13, 2010 at 8:22 AM

Great news!!!! We have A Baptism Date with Doris!!!! For the 25th of Dec!!!!!! It is going to be the best Christmas ever!!!! Doris is the wife of Rock face. So her story, she found us one day contacting. She was like, "Hey, I had missionaries teaching me and we had a baptismal date set and everything before, but my Husband did not approve." Well we have been working with her Husband, Rock Face, her kids, and grandkids!!!! They love the church and all the stuff we teach them, hahaha about the Gospel and Magic tricks. Haha I am learning so many things there. Man I know that God blesses his children with all kinds of talents but I feel like I have had superpowers on the mission. I bet If I want to learn anything I could, but no I will stick to reading las escrituras, speaking Español, and playing soccer, haha. But yes we have been trying to get Doris to choose her own date and the last visit we had with her she felt the spirit, her Husband and family did not reject her decision and she choose the 25th of Dec!!!!!!!!!!! We are soooooo excited! I dont know if you know but this Ward has had about 4 to 5 months without new members. This is such a Blessing!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank Mom and Dad for being the best parents ever!!!! I am sooooo happy that you are happy and growing together! It really is sooooo important to get along with your Companion!!!!! Hermana Ramirez and I are working hard and focusing in what our investigator's needs. The other night we played Chess and she got me but that was my plan all along. I let her think she got me then my Ninja Zelda pawns attacked her kingdom, hahaha. Yes we are having fun too! hehe

Johnny, I am sooooooo excited for you!!!! Congrats on becoming a sherpard of the flock hahaha. Do you have sisters in your district or zone_ I cant do a question mark, but that's a question, haha. But remember to take good care of them sheepies and Always, Always be the Example!!!!!!! You will be a great Leader! Love you!

Ooo some more news of the pass week, we have been in a crazy time of super rain allllll day and night and we have been having some flooding. Well the water plant place could not handle so much water and it broke! Again like in David. So our whole area was without water for 3 to 4 days. Ewww. We only went two days then we asked for the keys to the church so we could shower there with the reserve water. But besides this we kept working and got a Baptismal Date and that helped us forget all about our problems. It is so true that you forget yourself in the service of others!!!!! And you are blessed for it!!!

Keep being happy feliz jolly holy cool cheverde awesome and the best family in the world!!! Ooo yes about the time I can call....I really am not sure right now but it could be in Christmas eve or Christmas I heard. But I would like to call on Christmas night. I would say around 8 or 9 my time. But let me know about you guys too.

Love you lots and lots. Chao,

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 at 7:53 AM

So I don´t have your emails yet......wait that might be yours that just came! I will wait for the photos to load and write then check your emails.

Yep so this week was a bit rough in the beginning but it is got better and this week will be soooo much better. Yes Christmas is coming!!!! I love this time of year! We are feeling the excitement in everyones lives! There are always hard things that we have to pass through but in the end of it all we are happy that we did have these experiences!!!! I am growing soooo much and reflecting back on my life I can see just how blessed my life has been and is because of the Atonement and Gospel in my life!!!!

Ooo the other day I held a baby tan linda and preciosa!!! Oooo and we watched the Christmas Devotional! Awesomeness! I loved all the words of the First Presidency. They brought me lots a comfort!!

My president loves us sooooo much and wants us to be the best we can be. I got a call from him the other day just checking on me. I am soo grateful for the priesthood!

Here are some pictures from Thanksgiving! Me and Hermana Rameriz with a Wish Bone, Me posing in front of a yard by our house, us Hermanas in the Kitchen, Playing Risk.

So I will check your mail now.

Yeah, I just got the email!!!

haha ya, I was the Queen of the world but the new Elders that we have in our area are crazy Disney freaks. hahaha. And it is no fair because there minds are still fresh with their Disney trivia!! I am getting rusty, NOooo...... haha, no matter.

Yes I am soooo happy! And wow Grandma and Grandpa thank you sooo much. I love you love you love you!!!!

Keep working hard and loving each other

Hey Mama, Me and Hermana Ramirez bought Christmas lights too and they light up our room at night. Sooo pretty! Hey send pics of the house all decked out!

Chao.

Love,

Hermana Ochs

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 8:08 AM

I am sooooo glad to hear from you guys!!! I haven´t heard anything for like two weeks and some days.

So what has happened in these last few days... ok well first we had 5 investigators in church, the familia Jaen! (Doris and her grandkids), awesomeness!!!! Then that night after Church we were shut in doors from the craziness outside! This month is party month for the Panamanians and it is dangerous to go out side for us missionaries. So we hung out in doors cooking Thanksgiving dinner!!!! With Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls and Plantino tentation!!!! hahaha. It was awesome to actually have a Thanksgiving here. Ooo and afterward I played Risk with the Elders. They all were like "we better not lose to a Sister". Hehehehahahah, I was kicking there beheans, hahaha. We didn´t get to finish but I had all of Africa, South America, and was half way through with Europe and North America, hahaha. That was soooo funny.

Well, then we had changes this week and that is why I did not get to write until now! But I am still here with Hermana Ramirez and we are going to spend Christmas with the Chorrera Biancheri people! I am sooooo happy and blessed!

Yesterday we had a Christmas starting off party! It was with All members in the Stake and investigators!!! Our Family Jaen came and were soooo happy. One of the little boys wants to be baptized soo bad and be a missionary like all us!!! I am sooo happy I know this month is going to be good! Love you lots and keep up the good work!

Hermana (not so much red hair now) Ochs!

Mon, Nov 22, 2010 at 8:44 AM

So we are going to have a big Christmas party in the Mission. The Mission Office is having us send in pictures for something they are putting together for the missionaries. I hope it's cool, hahaha.

Wow this week was awesome! We got to work with a health foundation to give free medical care to the community of Biancheri. Me and Hermana Ramirez started out separating clothes. Then they moved us to the Dentist room.........I was scarred for life. They were pulling teeth left and right, ewwwwwww. This poor little kid was sooo brave. They sat him down in a chair and had him put his head back, gave him a numbing shot, then started pulling his tooth out. It was a tough one but they got it and the kids face after was like, "I will Never Eat sugar again" face. Man, luckily we got moved again to another room, well actually a car. This was the teeth cleaning Truck. So there was no blood or crying but some gross teeth. My job was to clean the instruments after the Dentist was done. I just gots to say, Take Care of your TEETH!!!!!!!

We have been working hard to get our investigators to church! And this Sunday we got two to come! Doris and her Grandson! Doris is the wife of Rock Face and he is hidding from us this week but will find him. The wife really wants to be baptized and her family but we got to get Rock Face to agree too. Pray for us!!! Besides them the Family Ramos has been getting more and more excited and we hope to get them to church this Sunday as well as Doris and more of her grandkids.

I finally have some more photos for you!! Ok so I am getting a ride in the back of a truck to church in one, then freaking out about the Band, then the adventure in washing my hair  Picture 1   Picture 2. Don't worry it is not permanent and will wash out in 6 to 12 washes. Hermana Ramirez and me thought it would be cool to try out. So there you go Mom, you have a red headed daughter for a week, hehehe. I think it is pretty cool, haha. On the way to the internet cafe today a lot of people were looking at my fire hair. Fire because in the sun it is more golden. COOOLLLL CHEVERDE!!!! hehe

I love this work and I am happy and super excited for this next Change!!!! I can smell the excitement!! Baptisms, Christmas, Calling you guys!!!! Lots and lots of love.

Chao,

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Nov 15, 2010 at 8:33 AM

OK wow so this week was fun!

SO, we did go to Albrook (a local Mall) finally. We went there during a festival day so there was lots of people and guess what? There was a Band! A marching band! I was in awe watching them. They were very good and they played all kinds of music from here and normal football game cadences!! Hermana Ramirez and me were sooooo excited and looked little kids running after them and taking pictures!!!! haha. But ya, I had to hold myself back alot. There were all kinds of storessssss......but I only bought a watch, printed out photos, and window shopped. Ooooo but I did splurge on the sweets!!! They had all kinds of ice creams!!! Like Banana Crunch!!!!!!!! Super Rico! And of course I got a coco popsicle! But the Band was the most awesome part.

SO this week we have been finding new investigators. Ooo we have a new friend whose nickname is rock face or cara de piedras, hahaha. He is a old retired cop and acts all tough but I know he has a soft spot for us cause he is always at the house waiting for us when we come. I hope all will go well and we can change his hard face to smiles and joy. He was a reference from his wife who took the lessons before but couldn´t get baptized because he said no. Please pray for us and his heart to soften. If you have any advice we would love it.

The time is changing here too. Ya I want to sleep with the fan because I am used to it and it is soothing to me but it is getting cold and I keep waking up in the middle of the night with cold feet, haha. But yes it is getting all Christmas time here and I have been thinking a lot in you guys. I love you, Love you, Love you!

Everyone here are treating us very well and sharing sooo much with us. The husband at one of the homes that has us over for dinners is always having us try new things like roasted cashews, Coco water, sugar cane, lemonade. We can really feel the love they have for us and can tell through their enthusiasm to share with us. Hahah, That same family has a little chubby baby boy who is a really good dancer too. He can dance "the Jerk", hahaha. It is really funny.

But yes I am trying very hard to work with the spirit!!!!! I love you guys and I am always praying for you!

Oooo I was thinking that maybe for Christmas we can have a three way talk with Johnny or I can ask permission to call my bro in Nicaragua. Elder Ochs What do you think? It´s an idea.

Lots of Love

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Nov 8, 2010 at 8:42 AM

Hola Familia

Ok the computers are crazy crazy here ......and I don´t like the meanie head picture loader. So here is a picture of Me and Hermana Ramirez.

So I got the awesome package from Grandma and Grandpa OCHS!!! All the Elders are pretty jealous of my awesome Grandparents and Parents!!!!!! I Love the Jerky, Cheezits and MM´s!!!!!!!

Wow so this week we made a goal to get 10 referrals and contact them!!! SO in total we needed 90 contacts!!! And we got 105!!! SO we met the goal and are going to go to a huge Mall here in Panama named Albrook!!!! I can´t wait because I really need to get a new watch. Mine died this week and we have been working with out knowing the time all week. And they really don´t have any good watches on the streets that are waterproof and all. So that is my biggest thing I want to look for.

But yes me and Hermana Ramirez are getting to know each other more and more. She is very much like a perfectionist at times and I am learning a lot. I am working really hard to get her loosened up and laughing!!!! But she is awesome and takes good care of me!

This Sunday we had to teach the Gospel Doctrine Class. All the Missionaries in the Ward, us Sisters and the Elders took turns teaching about Missionary work and Referrals. That has been our theme lately, REFERRALS!! So make sure you are looking for Referrals for the missionaries back at home!!!!

It is great to hear that all is going well. I have you guys in my prayers All the Time!!!!

Love love love you!

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 at 9:31 AM

Ok, I tried to send off just pictures but it wouldn´t go. Man o man. Sorry, I will try again next week.

So this week we had a funeral for the lady that was in the hospital with cancer. The lady that we had donated blood to. Man sad times. Us Missionaries had gone to help cook soup and support the family. It is crazy to see how short life can be. She was only 51 years old. On the bright side, one of our favorite members just had her baby!!!! And she is such a cutie!!!! hehe.

Johnny, I can´t believe it!!!! Well, yes I can because you are awesome!! Congrats on becoming a Mission Dad!!!!! Tell your comp that his Tia Hermana Ochs is very proud of her new sobrino, hehehe.

Dad your pictures were HILLARIOUS!!!!! I had to show my Zone Leader what I was laughing at sooo much. And he said, "Wow, he looks like my Uncle from Tennesse, hahaha. You can just imagine that...hahaha. That pic with Milo was sooo awesome too!!!

Thanks for the address of Elder Ochs. I can write my bro now!!!!!

Mom I love you, love you, love you!!! And yes the people are great and loving but YOU Are MY MOMMY!!!! I will come home!!!!! Tell Aunt Liz not to worry because I will go find Johnny too cause he is my BROTHER!!!!

Lots and lots of Love,

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Oct 25, 2010 at 9:49 AM

Ok man I did send pics the last time but they didn´t load I guess. Ooo well, I will try again!

Picture 1    Picture 2    Picture 3

Hurrray Mom and Dad you guys got my package!!!!!! Happiest Birthday! Sounds like you guys are having a blast!!!!

Ooooo and guess what. This morning when I was getting ready for the pday I wore orange and black for Halloween!!! And when we got to the church I got my Halloween package!!!! So I opened it and started to let the Elders go trick or treating!!! Everyone loves you!!!! hehe. So ya, when you send packages to me, remember to put the not so good stuff on top and I will share it with the Elders, hahaha. They say thanks!!!

Mmm, yes Dad my ears are fine and I don´t even feel them there. Sorry for that other ear adventure but this one has a way funnier memory, hehe. Speaking of memories I miss Hermana Tracy sooooo much. She was like a best friend. We really helped each other get through rough times. But she had changes this last Oct 20 and I completed 9 months!!!!! WOW, I'm already half way done with my mission!!!

Ok, so my new comp is Hermana Ramirez from Utah but she is Mexican Americana! She is awesome and very obedient which is good for me! We had a crazy week of traveling again to Tocumen and Panama City!

I tried to donate blood for one of our member's Mom in the Hospital but they kind of messed up and yes it was sad for me. But the rest of the group donated their blood. What happened was that they had a hard time finding my vain and then my blood was not flowing fast so they tried to readjust it and they broke my vain. Ya, it sounds gross and it was. But I tried and that´s what counts, right? Haha.

So yes the adventure never ends here. l love you!!!!

Chao

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Oct 18, 2010 at 8:51 AM

Mom, Dad, so sorry for the little emails lately. Those last p-days were crazy! But now I am all caught up on your emails and photos. And plus it did not help have the computer that did not have all the letters on the keyboard.

But wow this last week.....Don´t kill me but I got my ears pierced! It was a crazy adventure of finding the things needed, asking for help, a China lady whipping out her old dusty ear piercing pistol, and me deciding that my compain would be the best bet to get this done clean and safe. But it was crazy experience. I know why people pierce baby ears, cause they are tinier and not so fat. But My ears are doing fine and I can not wait to wear the fun earrings here. Mom don´t worry I am being careful with what kind of metal I am using. Right now I have the baby starter gold earrings and my ears are fine.

So now that that is off my chest. Yes this week we had another Conference but this time our Zone Conference With Elder Falabella, an Area Seventy. He talked a lot but he was very very good. Then we had our Baptism this Saturday which turned out great. I love this family very much. The little boy is very smart and the girl in my arms (pictures still to come) is a funny girl. The little brother is pretty funny too. But the baby, she is sooo cute. Like Johnny, I love her cheeks, hehe.

Yep, I heard about Elder Niendorf leaving yesterday night and I am sad and jealous, hahaha. No, I know he will do great out there. I just can´t wait to go out there myself sometime. The Pres. wants to open an area out there for the Hermanas!!!! I hope and wish!!!!! But yes the changes are this week on Wednesday. We will see what happens but I think I am staying.

Love you Love you I believe we are going to visit the beach today. I hope I can get cool pics.

Lots of love

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 8:47 AM

I do not have timeeeeeeee! Wow. Dad,thank you sooooo sooo much for your faithful writing. We have been coming to check our emails earlier and this is why your email was late. But I am caught up reading your emails. Here are some pics of our week here! We took part in a Helping Hands Service Project. The rest of the week was crazy with Hermana Tracy getting a fever and all, but we survived!!!

Mmmmm love you mucho mucho! the next email will be more infomational.

lots of love, bye

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Oct 4, 2010 at 8:54 AM

So sad day....it is a raining day without email from home. mmmmm

But this last weekend was pretty awesome......ok wow I just saw the Mark video!!! haha. Yes the tape worm is delicious. And I can´t wait to talk to all the Mexicans!!!!! I heard from Brandon that Uncle Mark came up to visit and I did not believe it at first. I thought maybe Elder Ochs had found some one that looked like Uncle Mark cause without his goatee it was wasn´t the Uncle Mark that I know.

I must tell all you guys that I love you very very very Much! And thank you for all that you have done and are doing for me!

General Conference was the bomb!!!!! I know that the Prophet is the mouth of God and if we can feel sooo much love from him, then we are only starting to feel the love that Our Father in Heaven has for us!! I am sooo grateful for the counsel that the brethren gave to us. I know that we are getting closer to the end and need to strengthen our families and ourselves.

Cool story. We had gotten up the morning of General Conference to get an investigator and while on the way there it started to rain. Well we didn´t have umbrellas but since it was just sprinkling, we borrowed one from a member on the way to the house. As we were walking up the hill the rain and wind got stronger and finally when we got to the investigator's house the heavens opened up! The investigator has been sick this week and was like "I can not go out in this rain." We were a bit sad but we said, "OK, but if the rain stops there is another session later. Please Come!" She was said, "ya ya..." So we left to get to church in the down pour. So we get to church soaked and we walk into the air conditioned chapilla. Oooo man cold! But we entered all happy greeting everybody. As we made our way in we decided to find our seats up closer to the front. Then to our surprise there was another Menos Avtivo family all there together and dressed up in the front row. I knew that all that working in the soaking rain had to be good for something. I was sooo happy to see them! I went up and gave the husband a big pat on the back and handshake! That made my day on top of the awesome talks and all.

I love you sooooooo much and my time is short but I just got your letter!!!!! I can´t write more but I love you!!!!

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Sep 27, 2010 at 9:13 AM

Ok, gracias for the Birthday wishes!!! Yes I had a great B-day! First of all Hermana Tracy made me Banana Pancakes! YumYum. And she sung me a Spanish song that is tradition to sing to the birthday person! I don´t know if I told you that she is half Latina. Her Mom is from El Salvador and her Dad from Idaho, Haha. She is just so awesome and funny! We are both going crazy together here in Chorrera.

So this past week for the Missionary Training Conference we had to wake up at like 5 am in the morning to get going so that we could get to Panama City by 6:30 am and then get ready to go to the Conference by 9 am. Yep it was a long three days of early waking up, but the Conference was awesome! We have been slowly changing our ways of teaching so that we are teaching people, not just lessons. I loved being taught on high with all the leaders of the Mission Panama. And we had soo many practices! I was exhausted after everyday. So I sent a pic of all the Hermanas, with Hermana Tracy eating Pizza, My old and new Zone Leaders, Me and Hermana Kennedy, then the new banner for the Mission Panama. We have a goal to reach 1,000 bautizmos for the year. We only need 300 more and we are writing all the names of the peoples on the banner until it is full!!!!! Siempre Fuertes!!! The new symbol looks Scottish though. Don´t you think?

But yes, so we were pumped from this Conference to go find and teach! But this week was hard. Our Ward is a little bit sad. And we came in all happy and ready! We want to change the attitude of the Ward! That is one of our big goals.

Yes I love my sisters here in Panama. They love me too and are taking good care of me. I got lots of treats and good wishes on my B-day!

Well, I love you, love you, love you, love you guys!!!!!!! Sooo much!


Hermana Ochs

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 at 9:45 AM

Entonces man I forgot my little thingy to put my memory card to send you pictures.....man. But don´t worry there are some good pictures coming!!!

So yes I am sooo excited for this week. We are having training with the leaders of the Districto, Zona, y le Presidente for the new missionary lessons. All of us Hermana get to go and be trained too! Wow Wow. So we will be going to Panama for three days this week!

General conference is coming!!! I have been reading all of the talks from last Conference to be pumped for new revelation!!!

Yep I am in the city Chorrera but live in the nieghborhood of el Coco! Close to the chino San Jose

Wow, Elder Niendorf let me borrow his Flash Card thingy! And now there are pictures for you! Enjoy and Big Thanks to him! haha

Ok so you we have been walking a lot all over hills and my legs have been really tired! But I love it! And slowly but surely getting on the good side of the members here. There is this crazy old lady that likes... no loves to come out with us and preach, but this last time she came out lots of bad stuff happened, haha. We went climbing mountains, really!!! The old lady was doing good but went we got to the house of our investigator she got sick and threw up, ewwww. Then my companion wasn´t feeling good and faint. We had to rest and the old crazy lady was saying "it's a virus from the Sun." A VIRUS??!!! haha

But we are doing good. Lots of Love

Hermana Ochs

Sister Ward Panama Mission Blog Album

As mentioned in an earlier entry, we have been also watching Sister Ward's (Mission President's wife) blog for pictures of missionaries that we recognize in the Panama, Panama City Mission. Here is a link to some of the pictures that we have found so far.

Wooowhoo Chorrera!

Mon, Sep 13, 2010 at 9:41 AM

Ok, so this week has been crazy! Yep it was really awesome saying bye to all my family in David and all my missionary friends and sisters ....saddness a lot of our leaders are leaving to go home... Elder Orihuela, Zuniga, and Del Toro. Hey Elder Ochs, Elder (well now brother) Del Toro is coming home to Nicaragua and he says that he wants to find you. So don´t be surprised if a crazy Nicaraguain comes and attacks you hahaha.

Ya, so the good byes were a little hard but I have sooooo many welcoming smiles where I am now. I am in Chorrera. Bianchei is my area. And wow wow sham wow I am in the same Area as Elder Niendorf!!! I can not even believe it. His face, he is real, haha. We can not stop smiling and laughing when we see each other. You, You! haha.

My new companion is Hermana Tracy from Washington, another Greengo. Man I can not believe how blessed I am. But this area is awesome! I will send pictures but I can´t right now. I really don´t have time!!!

I Love you guys soooo soooo much!!!!!!! Keep up the great work!

Chao

Hermana Ochs

Sister Ward Panama Mission Blog

Hermana Ward (President's Wife) started a Mission Blog were she just puts up photos of Her and President Ward going around the mission and meeting with the missionaries. I have been keeping an eye out on the blog to see if I recognize any missionaries on there. I recently saw that she had pictures of both Elder Niendorf and Hermana Kennedy. When Hermana Ochs mentioned the Zone Conference I knew she would eventually show up there, and she did just a few days ago.

Here is the link to the Panama Mission Blog

Mon, Sep 6, 2010 at 10:06 AM

Ok dokay. Wow I loved the photos! The house is looking good and wow to see my room is sooo weird. I like those Flags A LOT. Tell Brother Niendrof Gracias!!!! Mom and Dad ustedes son los mas guapos padres!!! hehe

SO wow this week has been a long crazy week. We have been perparing our area for those Elders who are going to take over. They have been coming to our citas and getting to know our investigators. We showed them where our other investigators lived too. Lots of our menos activos and reciente conversos really like the Elders. But also we have a really neat investigator who when she founds out that we would be leaving and those Elders would visit after us, She protested. She said I don´t what varones I want you hermanas, haha.

We are sooo loved here. The Obispo asked us to share our testimonies this last Fast Sunday, so we did. When the congregation found out that the Sisters were leaving everyone attacked us with hugs and best of wishes. Les quiero mucho mucho mucho. We spent a good time taking lots of pictures. One of the jovens (Young Men) Abraham Arauz was like, "you guys are the Famous trio of Hermanas."

So wow the rest of Sunday was crazy because everyone wanted us to come by there house to say bye and gave us treats. And we wanted to visit our investigators one last time too. We love this area and they love us. We ate so much. What made it more difficult was that we had just finished Fasting. It was hard to eat like crazy then to have to keep going and eating more, hahaha. I am going to get chubbies, hehehe. We had one last FHE with the Family Cedeno and Gonzales and the new Elders. That went late, and we still had to meet with Diego who was expecting us at 8 but we couldn´t get there until 9. Then the Family Quiel didn´t let us go until 10 and we were out pass bed time. The Elders were calling for numbers and when we finally got home they were at our house tapping there toes. Hehe. We are a little rebellious at times but everyone loves us so we can´t get in trouble, haha.

But yes today we will be packing and getting ready to leave for Panama city tomorrow, Tuesday. In my next email I will tell you how it was.

But for now I love my many Blessings that the Lord has given me!

Love you Mucho!!!!!!

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Aug 30, 2010 at 10:35 AM

Thanks Dad for those videos and Amy, Cameron, Grandma and Grandpa Ochs for your loving words of encouragement!!!!! Lots and Lots and Lots of lovin' I am sending your way!!!!

FIRST OF ALL ELDER OCHS LO SIENTO SUPER! Porque yo olvide a decir FELIZ CUMPLIANOS!!!!!! I love you and I hope everything was awesome!!!!!!!! Ya and pretty much you are my hero and my mentor! Yo quiero ser un Super MIsionero como tu!!!!!!!

Soooooo we had our Entervistas this week and our Conferencia with the President, the Assistants and all the zone of Concepcion and David!!! Wow, how awesome is President Ward and his wife? Super Awesome!!!! President Ward has been soo grateful that we have been very patiently waiting in a trio. But I don´t know why people are so negative about trios. They are fun!!!! The more people the happier, but really I think that we all just click very well, haha. Hermana Canizales is the strong link in the trio because she never lets us get mad at each other and not talk it out. So yes I have learned lots and lots from her and Hermana Dalton.

We found out this next change the mission is going to close our area and give it to the Elders......tristes......We have so many people that we have to show the Elders where they live, and maybe introduce them too. MAN so it is official, all three of us will be taken out of David. My HOME! Really I love it here, the people, the ward, my family, my companions, my Zone, but all things change. I am just a little afraid if I go to the City, mmmm. I will need to take strength with me and always remember who I am. haha I shouldn't be so worried. The Lord knows where I should be, and who I should talk to! I will have confidence in my Savior!

So the pictures that I sent: One is of my twin, hehe. Dosn't Hermana Canizales look just like me?, haha. The other is of me in my new dress, how do you like it? (Maybe next email) I like it and everyone else here too. We have been running in the mornings in the park that is near our apartment. The next picture of some of the pretty clouds that I get to see here all the time. I love the clouds here. I want to take more pics of them. The next picture is from Conference and it is Elder Del Toro and Me. He is our Zone leader and he is always asking what words mean in English and he asked what gordo meant and soo long story short now he calls me Chubby as a joke and this is our chubby pic. haha.

Love you guys sooo sooo soo much and wow Dad and Mom thanks for all you do! Mom thanks for thinking of our investigators and yes they are progressing. Dad thanks for the encouragement! I need to always remember why I am here.

I have the best Family and Friends in the World!!!!!!!!!

Love you all, les Amo!!!!!

Hermana Ochs!!!!!

Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 10:16 AM

Wow, craziness! You know Mom when you said something about Justin in your last email I had a feeling something was going to happen.... Entonces WOW WOW SHAM WOW HILLARY!!!!!! Felicidads!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have to show me pics of the colors, ideas, everything!!

Y Rachel Patten, Woooowhoooo Bendiciones! Yo super animado por usted! Y mas porque va a casarse en la Celestial Mes de Septiembre!! hehe Felizidads!!!!!!!!

Mom, I love you, Dad I love you! Wow Milo es mas gordo hehe. Y Oooooo man Mom thank you for making Dad take those pictures in the hamock hahahahahaha I had no idea how it looked, haha. All of your stories of the hamock just became sooooo much more funny. Dad that thing looks like your coffin, haha. But Please Please don´t hurt yourselves. hehehe

Ya I hope that you find that this activity of the Christlike attributes helps!!!! I know it does but you will have to do it to know. (See section 6 from "Preach My Gospel")

Yes Dad I am trying so much harder to have the guidance of the spirit in my life.

Oooo ya and Yes I love the Videos! Keep them coming, and I will hear them one of these days. Right now I don´t have speakers but I am loving to try to figure out what they are saying but most of all seeing them!!! Gracias Muchisimo!!

So a story from this week, we had a baptism that we were a part of but it was a 10 year old little boy. He is really cute and a little chubby, haha. Everytime we mentioned the baptism the members asked, "Quien?, ooo the fat boy", hehehe. And this is not to be mean it just how people describe each other. But what was really cool was that I was in charge of music again and I was smiling a lot at Eric, the chubby boy, and he at me. And when we were saying congrats and all he gave me the biggest bestest newly baptismed happy hug! I am so happy for him! I love it! Ya our neighbor´s kids too are awesome. They never forget to yell our names and come running up to us to give us hugs!

So we are working hard to find, teach, and invite others to come unto Christ! We have a awesome varity of investigators who need your prayers too!!!! Por Favor pray for Diego y Astrid!!!!!! Gracias!!!! Love you lots and lots!!!!

Keep working hard and look for ways to serve your brothers and sisters!!!

Con Mucho Mucho Amor!!!!

Hermana Ochs

P.S. Here a few pictures that Hermana Ochs sent home to us:

Enjoying a Chicken Dinner

Self Portrait of Hermana Ochs in David

Mon, Aug 16, 2010 at 10:38 AM

Ok, so I finally have the photos I kept promising for you guys. There is a picture of our District before the last Transfers. There are photos of the cool Mamon Chinos and us having fun with them. I guess these fruits are pretty rare here too, because you can only find them in July or the beginning of Agosto and then they are gone. They are RICO! hehe More pics of our Service Project with the machetes, the one year mark of Hermana Dalton, The baby dinosaur we played with in the house hehe, and ME, Hermana Ochs. I hope you enjoy!

So wow, this week was a bit crazy. With all the rain the river in David rose super high and broke a water tank thingy that gives us water. So, for two days we did not have any water and we were not sure if we would have any soon. Our neighbors and the Elders went on a water hunt to bring water to our house and there own. We were being very careful with our bano usage and shower taking. We kept joking with the members that we were going to have to bathe like gatos. Haha. But we managed and now we have water and clean clothes and body!. Felizes!!!!

We dedicated one day this week to contacting buses because we were low on contacts. So one person was in charge of talking, one passing out the Book of Mormon cards, and the last to pay for the bus ride. It was a bit nerve racking but Fun!

The ward just got back from a Temple trip and they were all on a spiritual high. It was great to hear their testimonies and see their beaming faces! I can´t wait to be able to visit the Temple here in Panama!!!! I love the Temple and am trying everyday to better myself and to always feel like I do when I am in the Temple!!!!

Hoy for pday we are going to have a scavenger hunt! I am excited!!!!!!

Lots and Lots of Love!!

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Aug 9, 2010 at 10:24 AM

Wow so I heard from Hermana Garcia today! Hurray! She is doing fine.

Wow Johnny you met a return missionary from Panama. What is her name? Because if I think she is who I think she is, RUN!!!!! Haha no I shouldn´t say that. I don´t even know if it really is her, Hermana Chaves..? Quizas? But wow You are living with three other companionships. Loco! BUT Fun Fun Fun! hehe

Mom your bag looks way super cute! Great Job! So, are you sewing more now? Dad thanks for the picture of Milo! He is sooo cute and health looking. He is a big difference from the cats here......creepy haha.

So this week we have gotten used to each other and are laughing non stop. I love my companions. Some people say that trios are hard. It does take work but it is so much fun. The President wrote me telling me that he put us together knowing that we could do milagros juntos and that each one of us are Home Runs. I am guessing that means we are cool. haha

Oh, we did a service this week! With machetes!!!! Wooo watch out! hehe. Ya, we cut the grass, weeds, and trees with the machetes. And the member made us breakfast and lunch. Man Ooo man my right arm hurt so bad the next day...hehe. And I had a blister but it´s ok, I am alive. But everyone in church found out that the Sisters Missionaries did yard work with machetes and were asking to see our hands and the blisters. haha The hermanas were saying "sisters don´t do those things" but we were "For sure we do!" haha. Then some were commenting that because us American don´t work like that, that that is why we got blisters. All I can say is that the Elders got blisters too. Elder Espinoza is a machine! He was the only one who knew how to cut the grass well. The rest of use tried and then he would finish, haha.
So yes I am having a great time! This work in awesome! Lots and lots of Love From Panama!!!!

Keep feeding your spirit everyday! Read Ponder and Pray!

Con Amor

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Aug 2, 2010 at 10:58 AM

Ok wow wow sham wow I am going to be here in David for this next change. If I stay for this whole change I will have 6 whole months here in my first area David, barrio 3. But what was crazy is that Hermana Dalton and I have another companion, Hermana Canizales. We are a trio now. I have never done this before but we will see how it goes with three crazy misioneras in one casa, haha. Hermana Canizales is very nice and laughs a lot, hehe. It is a big change for me to have two other people and now Hermana Dalton and I don´t speak to much English. But we are going to teach Hermana Canizales English in the casa. We had to get another bed, dresser, chair, more of everything for Hermana Canizales. So now I am sharing a bunkbed with Hermana Dalton, hehe. Fun. So yes, this week has been longgggggggg.

All the members were glad that I am staying, and our investigators. But I am really changing a lot. Especially my attitude. I know that there is still things here for me to do in David. But yes this is definitely my second home. When I come back I want to come here to David Chiriqui.

So we were running super late this morning to email. With three ladies in one house it takes forever to clean, shower, lavar ropas, getting ready and goooo. But today we are going to try to play futbol or kickball with the Zona! Wow we have a whole bunch of new people in the Zona now. Ooo and guess what! Hermana Graham came out to David this change! Hermana Brewster, Hermana Graham and me are all in the same Zone! We just need Hermana Kennedy and it will be like the MTC. haha

Wow I love you guys and I am trying my very best to better myself and do my duty here in David. Pray for me! I am praying for you guys.

Lots and Lots of love!!!

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Jul 26, 2010 at 10:31 AM

Wow I just have to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! I GOT YOUR PACKAGE THIS WEEK! mmmmm candyyyyyy..... hehe. ANd I loved reading the little notes from everybody. Wow dad you guys can always find something to do to, and ways to make things fun when things don´t go exactly how you planned. That is sooo awesome!

OK so I want to go back to Havasupai with you guys when I get back!!!!!!

Wow mom why is Elma in the Hospital? Is it bad? Your week sounded crazy. Thanks for all you do. You are such a hard worker! I am glad that you like the hair braret. I love all the fun hair things here.

Concerning Drew's earrings I wanted to yell at him and say take those out, but I am working on my amor por todos, soooo I will look for some cool earrings mainly because I want them. haha!

Well this morning we had this crazy dude at the Laundry mat asking us to teach him English. And was asking sooo many questions like how long do you think it would take for me to learn English really good if you taugh me everyday. haha crazy. We were like "we teach the Gospel". haha and this morning our taxis driver was asking us all about America and stuff, then he was like "do you girls have boyfriends". We told him no not on the mission and he was all "wow harsh, we latinos can´t do that you, Americans are tough". haha he reminded me so much of Grandpa Ochs. haha. Then in the street we ran into a couple of greengos and they were members of the church visiting there parents surf camp here. Que chevere surfing all day and hanging out on a island.

But really I believe that the best thing in the world is working here as missionaries. I love sitting down with new, old, positive,or loco people and talking with them. It is just sooo cool to feel so at ease to have the truth and be sharing it with everybody!!! I wish you guys could meet the people of David Chiriqui! They are awesome!!!!!

Yes Hermana Dalton and I are happy, laughing, and growing everyday. I have a feeling that I am going to change this change but I don´t find out until tonight. Until then we wait......I hate waiting! hehe

Mom I love you Dad I love you Brother I Love you!

Chao

Lots and lots of Love

Hermana Ochs

Here are some new pictures Hermana Ochs sent.

Mon, Jul 19, 2010 at 10:35 AM

Ok man I am so so so sorry I don´t have a lot of time because I was so wrapped up in you guys and your pictures. Man I can not wait until to can see the video clips!! haha Everyone is looking good, but I do have some thing to say first Johnny your hand looked Nasty! BE CAREFUL! and ya now I am scared to touch puppies....ewwww. And I noticed Drew had a ear ring.....mmm. If he wants me to send him some ear rings, I can, hehe. No really there are lots of pretty cool ones here. haha

Dad I hope your trip (to Havasupai) is so so super awesome! Like I said before super jealous, I need to go climb something now.....haha. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

Remember that you each one of you are a special son and daughter of our Heavenly Father and he is waiting for each one of us to return with honor!! So yes it is getting so close to transfers and I believe that it is my turn to have some new stuff in my life. But I am loving it here.

Mom and Dad you don´t have to worry about any weird sicknesses with me. I am healthy, a little itchy at times with the little evil mosquito bites but no I am good.

So a spiritual experience, yes. Everyday is a adventure but man I love sharing the Gospel. I know that I am learning so much but just thinking back when I thought I knew a lot. Really, I can express the happiness I have to be a part of such a great family that has always raised me with the correct principals. I just want this for everyone and my family too!

We are pretty popular with the kids. We have sung lots of Happy Birthdays here lately!

Dad Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!

Love Hermana Ochs

Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 10:22 AM

I am so glad to hear that you got the hair berete that I sent you Mom. I love the hair things here! I also hear that Dad was playing around with it. Haha Dad now I have to send you one too hehe.

So yes we offically have our new Mission President, President Ward. They are awesome. President Ward loves to surf, ride dirtbikes, and is a really adventurous dude hehe. Hermana Ward is a very loving crazy computer programer. She doesn´t know too much Spanish but is learning and is very good at shurads haha. But she is way awesome and wants to actually work with us sisters in the field. She has many cool ideas for the Panama mission!

Hermana Dalton and I are trying to better our Spanish everyday, but even the people don´t understand her and I have to clarify for her. So she gets frustrated with that at times. Haha I am happy to help. But seriously we are being LOVED by the members here more and more! They are just so awesome and we are being careful of those weird dudes in the streets. The other day a kid on a bike said he loved us and then added "I Love you forever"! haha Hermana Dalton was like "haha, liar you don´t love for ever".

I love you guys, and I mean...Love...YOU...GUYS!!!

chao

Hermana Ochs

Rachel sent 3 more pictures: Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3

Mon, Jul 5, 2010 at 9:25 AM

So here is what´s happening here this week:

This last P-day I went shopping a little and sent some fun stuff home. I hope it gets there. I am guessing my last package never made it or is lost somewheres hehe. But ya this week has been different. Because of all the rain and sun then more rain EVERYBODY is SICK!!!! but me. I did feel really weird for one day with headaches, stomach pain, and chills for one night, but I think that was a mixture of a weird smoothie I made with milk, bananas, peanut butter, corn mix, cinnamon, and pineapple. The pineapple is what made it nasty!!!! I found out that milk and pineapple don´t mix well without ICE. So ya I have been avoiding milk and pineapple and I am feeling a lot better. But the rest of Panama and my companion has the flu with real bad sore throats. I have been taking my vitamins and eating my veggies so I think I am good.

So we are doing what we can do. Lately we have been sharing little messages with all the members that we eat with and have had some real cool experiences. There was one family with little kids that we did a little activity and I shared the talk by Elder Bednar about what we can do in the family to assure spiritual strength in our children. Hermana Pitti was like, You missionaries always know what we need. Really we are guided by the spirit to teach Gods children. I know it is true that everyone needs the Gospel. And as we are teaching Gospel principles it is what the people need. You can never go wrong with the Gospel. I love this work.

We have been making closer bonds with the members and they like talking to us a lot but the other night we had a really cool experience. Hermana Dalton and I were walking home last night and there was this drunk man in the road walking in front of us, so we were walking slower behind him to avoid him. But later he turned around and started trying to talk to us. It was like mmm so what do we do cause we didn´t want him following us to our house and stuff. So I saw a members house close and I just crossed the street and said "chao" and he keep walking on all confused. So we were just going to wait for him to leave but we decided to knock and visit the Hermana Miranda. She was just studying her scriptures and was getting ready for bed, but we had the coolest chat about her conversion, stories about her family, the Temple and man she is just so awesome! I am so glad that we visited her. Man the people here have so much faith. I am learning so much about faith. So never think that you don´t have something to share with others. We all have a special testimony
that we should share!!!!!

I love you guys so so so much! I can´t wait to be able to show you all my cooking skills! I am learning poco a poco with the members here! I love Pataconies!!!! (fried plantains) But I love you guys more!!!!!! hehe Big Hearts!!!!

Con Amor Hermana Ochs

Mon, Jun 28, 2010 at 9:47 AM

Hola it is raining lotsssssss!!!

OK so first of all I have to do some bragging that my Family and friends are just so awesome!!!!!!! I love the picture you guys sent! hehe wow everyone was there!!!!! I love you guys!!!!!!

Ok so here are some pictures for you too! I love my hammock. My zone went to Boquete again to visit the gardens. They were super super pretty. And yes Hermana Dalton and I are having fun!

This week we have been looking and looking for new people. And just yesterday we found this way cool lady who was asking us what time church was, if she need to bring her Bible, and wants to buy new glasses to read her Bible, haha. That was Awesome. Then we found this lady who reminded me of a Fortune Teller lady. In her house it is dark and she has all kinds of trinkets on her walls. She was wearing a towel on her head when we came. Haha she was scared to come to the door because it was raining and cold and she had been ironing. I guess it is really bad to iron and then get cold afterward. So she was like standing really far from the door and was like come in......creepy huh haha. But she is cool. She needs to change a lot of things in her life but she wants to so we are here to help her.

Well also a lot of the members have been wanting to help us out a lot lately and just talk to us. At times it is hard to leave and get out of their houses haha...like we are just about to go and they are like "Oooo do you want flan or a treat?" haha I love the people here.

Dad so ya Netherlands is doing pretty well in the World Cup. I saw a little bit of their game this morning in the Laundromat and they were winning! I am rooting for them!!!! GO Netherlands! hehe and I like Argentina too. but hehe that is just on the side lines. The world here is going crazy over the World Cup.

I had my last interview with the President Madrigal this Friday. He told me to look for more people through the help of those members here and to pick an attribute of Christ and make 3 acciones to work on. He is an awesome President and I thanked him for all his time here with us. He said he was very grateful for me too.

Woow WHOOOO GO MISSIONARY WORK!

Remember always ask our Heavenly Father for his help and guidance.

I LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU!!!!!!

DO MISSIONARY WORK WHEN EVER YOU CAN!!!

Love Hermana Ochs

Mon, Jun 21, 2010 at 10:49 AM

Ok well yes my new companion is from the US! Wow that was a surprise to me because I am still learning espanish, hehe Spanish. But wow it is time to get serious about learning this language for my self. I don´t have a native to translate for me, haha. But Hermana Dalton is Awesome!!! She is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Wow I can´t spell in English. But yes we are getting used to each other. Wow I am so used to speaking only Spanish with my companion, so at first I couldn´t speak to her in English and I don´t want to get used to speaking in English but it is so nice too!!

I can not believe how much we are alike. She studied art in school, likes running, and ran a year of cross-country in her university. She lives close to the Hersey´s factory in Pennsylvania just like we did before the only other Hersey´s factory in the US was moved from Oakdale to Mexico. It is just way crazy the things we keep finding. I also can´t believe how much she looks like and reminds me of Katie. Oooo ya, this is crazy, her name is Katie Dalton and my cousin's name, Katie Colton. What a crazy random happenstance.

This week was loooooooong.... In reality I felt like a Senior Companion for a week. Because I had to show her where everything was, who were are investigators, and just what it is like here in David. It is very different here than in the city where Hermana Dalton just served. All the members, investigators, and the town wanted to talk to me instead of her because they know me, but she is the Senior. Man it was a lot of work. I don´t think I want to be a Senior for awhile. But like I said things are better. Hermana Dalton is used to things now and is ready to be the leader. I don´t know, but I think it this is hard for her too because this is her first time as the Senior, in a new area, with a greeeeeenga (me) hehe.

Man things are changing like crazy at home (We told her that our Stake Presidency has changed). I think I have to call the Mission President to let him know of the changes in the Stake Presidency. We are getting our new Mission President soon too!!!! Can´t wait.

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY late FATHER'S DAY!!!!!! Dad I sent a letter home with a little something but I hope it came or is coming!!!!!

Wow today is the first day of Summer in the US!!! Say hi to all the gang! I still can´t believe I have been here this long, 5 months.

Ooooo I almost forgot! Hermana Brewster came to my Zone!!! Hermana Brewster from the MTC. We came here together!!!!!!! Awesomeness! We were just sooo excited like seeing a ghost or angel, hehe. It is crazy how different our mission experiences have been so far but we are here together again!!!!!

Well I love you guys, Take care!

chao,

Hermana Ochs!!!

Mon, Jun 14, 2010 at 9:39 AM

First off I am so so sorry for not sending an email last week. It was my fault. I was trying to download and send pictures to you guys and the time ran out. But I am sending last weeks email with this too.

So today I am waiting with two other missionaries for our new companions. And I am nervous. I have no idea who will be coming....I hope she is cool and can work hard with me to baptize our investigators. This week was a long long week of goodbyes, to all of the members, missionaries, and two of the people that were like parents to me here. Hermana Garcia and Elder Orihuela left yesterday and there were tears in our eyes as we said our final goodbyes.

Ooo, I performed with two other of the piano students this Sunday!!! Wooo I was super nervous then too, but we all lived. And guess what, I was promoted to Piano teacher. hahaha. Because Elder Orihuela left, and I know the most about music (haha) he asked if I would like to keep the class going. Wow so I am studying in the piano books he gave me, haha. Maybe I can play piano when I get back home. hehe

So last p-day Hermana Garcia and I wanted to go to a Museum. So we went searching in the rain. A lady helped us find one that was open, and we went. Haha, we were the only ones there. There where some cool artifacts but what was way really cool was that they had this old mansion that was like 140 years old. We went on an adventure exploring the house. Hermana Garcia was scared but followed me (haha). It kind of reminded of the Winchester Mansion.

Well, in my next e-mail I will have a new companion and I can tell you how she is and how things are. I will miss Hermana Garcia and I am so so grateful for the time I had with a great servant of the lord.

Family you guys Are SO SO Super Awesome! Love Love Love too all!!

I love hearing about you guys. Keep writing, working, and serving our Lord.

Hermana Ochs

Mon, Jun 7, 2010 at 8:56 AM

So wow this week has been the roughest and bestest week of my Mission so far. So you know how I was talking about those 3 baptisms, well the Gospel is true but the Devil never rests. Two of our investigators that were to be baptized on Sunday morning had problems with the fourth baptismal question (the big one) in their interview with the District leader on Tuesday. Then we had to visit with the Stake President Thursday night. This took about 2 hours and we didn´t get home until around 10, then eat dinner with our neighbor and then we didn't get to bed until like 11. But THEY PASSED and are ready to make this covenant with our Savior!

So then our investigator that was scheduled for baptism this Saturday passed. The baptism was supposed to start at 4 but Karen our investigator and the Elders investigator were not in the Chapel. We all went to look for them in their house´s. The baptism didn´t start until 6......close very close. A lot the members wanted to leave but we calmed them down (hehe "PLEASE WAIT!!" hehe). It ended up being really cool.

Then this Fast Sunday we had the Baptisms of Mercedes and Eliezer, (The ones we have been working with all their family). Fabian Baptized his Mother and Cousin! It was sooooo awesome and precious to see this! Hurray Success!!!! Two more very special hijos de Dios entering the door to Eternal Life and a family growing in the Gospel!

Hermana Garcia has been having super pain in her face and we went to a "Clinic" ( I never want to go to a clinic here) we found out that it is her molar. It is Malo and needs to pulled. But because she only has one more week she has to wait until she gets home. So she is suffering with this and I am trying to help her all that I can!

This Fast Sunday was hard because I was alone in my fast because Hermana. Garcia is taking pills for her mouth. I had to sit and wait for her to eat and stuff and was feeling really lonely and weak as in just like "why me" stuff. But after we were talking with Hermana Quiel and she shared her testimony with us and we had a kind of like a little testimony meeting right there. She was so grateful for us missionaries in her life and she told me that I was strong to be fasting like this and that to her I was like a angel to her......I couldn´t hold back my tears I and ran a gave her a big hug!!!!! Man I know that the Lord knew that I needed that! I felt so loved and ready to share the Gospel!!!! Really I can´t give enough thanks for the blessings I recieve as a missionary, especially when the times are tough!!!!!! I love this Work!!

Mom and Dad I love you. Remember the Lord in all that you do! Be a Memeber Missionary!

Give my Loves to all The Family and the Ward Family too!!!!!!!!!!!

Ooo yes, Dad I have to perform my song, I believe it wil be this Sunday. And Mom I don´t think I will be going with Hernana Garcia to Panama City because I think I will be here in David for at least another month.

Hermana Ochs

31 May 10 email

May 31, 2010 at 10:47 AM

I am so glad to hear you guys are doing well and getting together with all the Single Parents. Haha you guys better enjoy this time now because when we come back there will be no peace with all those grandkids running around. Hahaha, no you still have time, lots of time! hahaha.

Well Yes this week is going to be so awesome! We have three baptisms planned and a family that we need to to get married first then baptized!!!! When we baptize a whole family, Husband, Wife and kids we as get to go to the Temple!!!!!! I am so excited to bring more families into the Church. We also found two more families yesterday!!! Wow, the work with my companion right now is awesome!!! I can´t believe she is leaving in two weeks!! I will miss her!!!!! She is awesome!

This last Thursday I had the chance to have an exchange with Hermana Castro. That was really stressful and weird to have a new companion and have to show her all around the area. She had a different way of teaching which I liked but it was harder to teach for me, but we did it. Haha I don´t know what I am going to do without Hermana Garcia. But I will have to learn some way or another. But I was very excited to have her come back and she was happy to come back too. Hehe we love our area, our members, and our investigators.

Man, change is hard but I no I can do it. I have to learn how to deal. I have to learn to change if I want my investigators to do the same. Once again Thank you Thank you Thank you for all of your support and love!!!!!! I really can´t think of a world with out all of you guys!

Panama is awesome! And Nicaragua too hehe!!

Oooo ya I got a haircut this week in the Relief Society activity. hehe they also cleaned and messaged my face. That was interesting, it was more like slapped my face up haha haha.

I am playing "Keep My Commandments" on the piano this Sunday in Sacrament Meeting!!!! Wish me Luck!! We also have the Baptisms, one is Saturday and the other two Sunday morning. The Lord has blessed this people.

I love you GUYS!!!!! Big Hearts!!!!!!

Hermana Ochs

24 May 2010 email

May 24, 2010 at 12:24 PM

So I loved the picture of Elder Ochs. Wow his hair is super blond. Haha he looks like some of the Elders here. I am glad Johnny is having a great time.

But wow, I have to give a huge thank you out to all those who have written me! I am slowly but surely replying to all of them! Love you guys! I really liked the postcard from China! Thanks Katie and Bruce!

Yes, mmm this week. The Zone Conference was great. We talked about Amor and the things we can accomplish with the Love of God. With hard work we can achieve 96%, with the right attitude 98% , but with the Amor de Dios we can accomplish 101% more than the normal. We had a good lunch and I got a lot of the letters. But this Saturday I got a letter from Elder Ochs too!! I was super excited to hear from him. Haha he sent a picture of him and his companion on some railroad tracks. It looks very missionary and epic haha. But I believe Elder Ochs has gained some weight or it was the wind that is filling out his clothes haha. Dad he looks a lot like you. Not that I am called you fat no , but his face and hair cut. Haha really, here in Panama or in the Latino culture to call someone fat is not a insult because everyone calls everyone fat here. Haha I was very surprised the first time my I heard people call each other gordo. Hehe.

But I am learning so much. About Christ, the Gospel, Spanish, the people, this country, the life as a missionary. Still I am learning to think of others before my own wants. It is a difficult concept but sooooo rewarding.

I can play a song on the Piano now! In the Piano class we have chosen songs and we are practicing to play them in a Sacrament meeting soon. Oooo wish me luck.

Wow Elder Orhuela, one of our Zone leaders, has Dengue fever!!!! Poor poor Elder Orhuela, but he is still working hard. I don´t want Dengue fever but I don´t know which mosquito has it....stay away mosquito!!!!! haha

This week we have had lots and lots of rain, super Fuerte! Man the streets were rivers.

I had my last interview with the President today. President Madrigal is sooo awesome. I will miss him. Ooo ya, at the Conference him and his wife gave all the missionaries a key with the country of Panama, the flag, and Angel Moroni on it. It is really cool.

Well I am super excited to work hard and find those who need our help. We have great investigators and this next month should be a great month for Baptisms. Love you guys so super much. I am glad to hear the Family is doing well!

I have a few more photos that I am sending.

Lots and Lots of Love From,

Hermana Ochs!!!!

17 May 10 email

May 17, 2010 at 11:01 AM

So the trip to Panama City was really long. We left the house at 10:30pm Tuesday night to go to the Terminal and left at 12am on Wednesday morning and got to Panama around 7am. Man it was frio cold in the bus. Haha I get cold with Air Conditioning at times because I am so used to the heat but not as bad as others here. I still have not wore a sweater and don´t want to haha. I hugged my pillow the whole way and tried to get some sleep.

When we got to Panama we ate some breakfast then headed into the city in the Diablo Rojo (nick name for taxis) haha. They aren´t that bad, just crazy drivers. At the emigration office we had to wait a long long time for it to open and to do all the pictures and stuff for everybody. While we were in the waiting room an Elder told me to contact some of the people there in the office, so I did. They were nice but it turned out they were Jewish.....mmm weird. They don´t even believe in Christ. haha that was interesting and hard to do in English.

Hermana Graham came late with her companion so I only got to say hi and bye but that was awesome still. The other Hermana's didn´t come this day for emigration but I heard Hermana Kenndey had a rough first companionship, and she says hi and that she really appreciated me as a companion. I need to write her. But we finished there around 10:30 am and had to go back to catch the bus back to David. We did make time to get Blizzards at Dairy Queen!!! MOMMY SNICKERSSSSS! YUMMMY! So then the the ride back was longer but good. I got some more sleep.

This week has been eventful. This Sunday there was no church because of the Censor of all the casas, people, etc. Haha Mom they asked for where you were born and your name and stuff. So you and me are in the records of Panama haha They even took down Melodie Everson's information because of my work history. Haha it was funny giving all this information because they didn´t know what or where any of it was or how to spell it. So everybody had to be censored and then given permission to leave their homes afterwards. If they didn´t have the Censor Slip the police would arrest you. When we left the house I forgot my Censor Slip but we had no problems. Haha but my companion was joking with me that they would arrest me. We visited with members and watched the "Testaments" with a family we are working with. The Mom and a cousin are working towards Baptism.

This Wednesday is our Zone Conference and Hermana Garcia is all excited because it is her last one. She has to bear her testimony.

Well, love you bunches and bunches! Smiles! Big hearts!

Hermana Ochs

10 May 10 email

Mon, May 10, 2010 at 10:30 AM

Haha Wow wow I love the pictures! Thanks so much! Dad the picture with Johnny and me is great! I need to get this on my sd card and print it out, some other time though... Charlie! Love you guys!

Yes last night was great! Man it almost felt like a dream. I loved hearing your voices, and sorry if I talked alot or repeated myself. I was just excited and wanted to tell you everything that has been going on. But after we talked it felt weird, I just talked with my parents!!!! But I felt like nothing really changed. I am still here and will be for a long time. This is a crazy experience. I think I also felt bad because my companion has to wait until the 30 of May to call her Mom. But I told her about what Mom said that I should get her a Wedding gift. She was excited about that!! Hehe but no I loved talking to you guys. Really, Really.

Yes today we are celebrating everybodies happy unbirthday and having a fiesta with the Zone. We have a pinata, pizza, candy, water balloons, games, and fun fun fun! hehe

Mmmm so for this week...what else can I say, ooo we are learning piano and it is different in Espanol. The notes are do re me fa sol la si not a b c d e f g. So for the rest of that day I was singing "doe a deer a female deer, re a drop of golden sun", etc hehe.

I don't know if I told you but I contacted a bus, well the people in the bus. That was awesome! It was Sunday morning and all the people were starring at me and nodding their heads so I am guessing they understood me. Haha but I did forget my name. When I sat back down I told the lady I was sitting next to my name. hehe

But yes we are working hard to prepare our investigators for baptism. This next week we are going to have to work a bit harder because we have two days that we will being doing other things. Wednesday we will be in Panama City all day getting re-legalized haha. Sunday is the day the every person in the country of Panama is censored. I guess they will be reporting how many people live in each house. Everybody has to sit still in their houses until censored, including us. Lots of time to prepare for the next week. Mmm and maybe write letters....I am not sure. But ya Panama is crazy hehe crazy cool.

So yes keep us missionaries in your prayers and I will keep on working hard! Love you Love you Love you!!!!!!

Hermana Ochs

3 May 10 email

Mon, May 3, 2010 at 10:51 AM

Hola Family!!!!!

Wow, the Adventures Of the Ochs Familia! Haha Johnny as always has way too much fun. I am always excited to hear from him! Wow 6 baptisms. Yes Elder Ochs has a lot of work to do.

We had a son of a less active member get baptized this Saturday. Us the missionaries put everything together. I gave I talk about Baptism in front of everybody. Haha wow I was a bit nervous but I did it. I read from the scriptures...hehe they are always correct.

We had a awesome family Home Evening with an investigating family and a member family. Me and Hermana Garcia are super excited about the progress of this family. For the treat I helped the family make Rice Crispies! The daughters were all excited and funny.

This Monday marks the first day of a new exchange! Hermana Garcia and I are together for one last exchange! We have lots of work to do, and hopefully lots of Baptisms this month!!! Families!! I just hope I don´t get trunky! I don´t want to but I don´t think I will as long as I have my mind on the work. I am happy for The hard worker she is and this is a crazy work, Missionary Works Rocks!

Oooo this Last P-day we went to Boquete and visited the Zoo! Awesome! It was a rescue reserve for animals. We got to feed monkeys and birds. And wow wow there were so many beautiful plants!!! The gardens were gorgeous! haha I don´t know if I spelt that right.

Man I don´t have lots of time but Love you guys so much and take care! I am working hard and learning so much! Thank you all for all your support and love. I got my package and letters! Mom thanks for the sweets, I am sharing little by little. Rations.

The Lord has blessed us so much! I will talk to you later! Mother´s Day! Love you!!!!!!!!

Hermana Ochs

26 Apr 10 email

Mon, Apr 26, 2010 at 11:36 AM

Dad a question for you, Who was the first sister missionary? When where did she serve? Ha ha this is a question of one of the sisters here, Hermana Perry. She is 78. Today is her birthday.

Wow the Baptism was awesome and perfect! We had all the members come that had assignments and the family of Odilia. Odilia´s grandson who was baptized in Feb I believe, got to baptize his Grandma! Way way awesome. Later that Sunday said how happy she was and started crying. Wow, the miracles of the mission. I am so excited for her and her family.

So we also had investigators come to church, one on their own and the other we hunted down, haha. The one that we had to hunt down, his name is Johnny and he lives with his Grandma. They live right next door to the Church. Haha we threw pebbles at his window and called his name. Than we went to the door the normal way we contact, but throwing pebbles is fun! Later his Grandma told us that his Mom sends us big hugs for getting him to go to church! haha. Actually he is an inactive member but we are teaching his girlfriend too. I have been working with the kids and Johnny's girlfriend in their English homework. She is studying English at her university. Haha, lots of the members like to practice English with me.

We found a little friend in our house too. The Raton! We tried to catch him but wow he is fast. Two times he ran into my foot but I could not bring myself to stomp on him...too cute. haha

Wow I hope April is alright and Wish Sammy a Happy Birthday for me!

It has been raining like crazy here! I like the Lighting! Lots and Lots of it! The other night we walked in the rain to a cita and got soaked! Luckily a family let us borrow their umbrella. Me and Hermana Garica walked really close so that we could fit under it, hahaha.

Yes we are doing great. Except I am just a little sleep deprived. Haha, the water hasn´t been coming in the evening or through out the day soooooo... we have to get up at 1 in the morning and manually fill buckets with water and carry them to our bano. This takes about a hour.....no me gusta..... But we have water, that is a blessing.

So we are in Voceta I don't know if that is spelt right but it is a town close to us in the mountains. We took a 30 min or so bus ride here and there was a man from Utah on the bus in front of me. I talked to him about all sorts of things. That was fun. He is traveling all over Central America and was just in Costa Rica but he came to Panama because he wanted to visit Voceta. He has lots of Members friends but never has visited the church. I invited him! It is really crazy how much I have learned and grown here. I have this grand opportunity to really become one of the people here. I love talking and playing with the kids. This Sunday we were eating with one of the families and the kids had these sour suckers and they brought one for me.. hehe how nice.

So I am sending pictures!

Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3 Picture 4 Picture 5 Picture 6

I hope that you enjoy and share them with the family.

Yes Mom my clothes are holding out. I am also starting to use the Mosquito repellent because we have more and more now with the rain and heat. The mosquitoes love it with the frogs too. There are giant frogs here! And at night they ribbit really loud and weirdly. haha

Love,

Hermana Ochs

19 Apr 10 email

Mon, Apr 19, 2010 at 9:16 AM

Yes my companion Hermana Graica is from Rio San Juan, Nicaragua. I have no idea exactly where that is in Nicaragua. Wow I like getting all of your letters in one (We started including copies of John's or Rachel's email from the previous week in their email from Me and Jennifer each Sunday.) Haha Johnny hitch-hiking, sounds fun! I have pictures too but my computer doesn´t have the SD slot tampico mmmm man next time!

I have been working hard! This week we got our goal of 140 contacts! And last night Sunday, we got 22 contacts each! I was super happy because if we didn´t get the 22 each we were going to have to contact a whole bus today......We didn´t want to have to do that. hahaha

I have seen the tender mercies of the Lord this week. For example, we were going around to pick up our investigators on Sunday morning so that we could walk with them to church. We had to wait for one family to get ready or else they probably wouldn´t have come. Well, that made us late to church. I was sad to not take the Sacrament, but it was Ward Conference so they had switched the schedule up and had Sacrament Meeting last! We got to take the Sacrament!!!!! Hallalua!!! Then later that day after church we finished contacting.

Funny story: we were literally contacting any and every body to get the contacts. We even contacted a birthday party, haha. There was one family that was just hanging outside and the mother gathered all her children and was like, "listen and learn from these missionaries."

Later we went to a members house to teach the boyfriend of the daughter but he didn´t show up. I was hungry and a Hot Dog just sounded good, haha and sure enough without me saying anything Hermana Quiel whipped up some Hot Dogs and pan fried some kind of dough like tortillas. Hehehe yummy!!! Pretty much the people are super giving and loving. One day this week we ate 5 meals, and on different occasions the members gave us ice-cream, con Jello. I don´t know why they like it with Jello but ya. I like the food. Ooo and me and my companion started running this week too.

But yes I Love you guys super super! Sounds like you are having fun and staying very busy! I did send you a package! So I hope it comes soon and enjoy!

Ooo Mom I am so glad you guys were able to meet Sisters Hansen and Stapley in the Oakland Temple Visitors Center !!! Haha this is such a small world.

I got to lead the music in Spanish in a baptism this weekend and next weekend we have our own baptism!! I hope I can send pics next time. Love You, Love You!

Con amor y Grande Corazones!

Hermana Ochs!

12 Apr 10 email

Mon, Apr 12, 2010 at 9:37 AM

Thanks Mom!!! I just got your letter! The one you wrote! well and this email too. Thanks for the encouraging words. Yes I have had my days where I feel overwhelmed and lost but yes it is in the Lord that I find my strength. Things are getting better. I am speaking more and more. Haha it is not always perfect but I am trying. At first I was always nervous to contact people but now it is not too bad. I am also helping a lot more in the lessons and sharing my testimony a lot.

It is great to hear how the families doing! Wish Hillary luck for me and tell her I met with a family the other day with a daughter named Hillary and I love her too! I sent a letter with bunches of letters for the family. I hope it gets there soon.

We had a Zone Conference this week with the President Madgrial, It was cool.

Mom I think you need to come visit sometime because the plants are awesome here. So many cool looking flowers.

So pretty much I am keeping busy and working hard. Love you Love you Love you! hehe

SMILE!!!!!!

Con amor

Hermana Ochs!



Mon, Apr 12, 2010 at 10:05 AM

Dear Fasha

Thank you for those words of knowledge and councel. Yes prayer. I need to pray out loud more
by myself. Me and my companion are getting along better, now that I can understand better but
it is different. We are from very different backgrounds but have the same purpose. As long as we keep our vision on the goal we grow closer.

Because the people here live so far from temples it really is a big deal to go. I was talking to my companion about the temple and she has only gone like four times. I am so grateful for temples! I hear that when we baptize whole families of four or more we get to go to the temple!!! I am like super wanting to do just that.

Yes the Zone Conference was cool. There are so many things to do, to improve, that at times these things overwhelm me but yes I enjoyed the parts I understood. Si I get the jist of most things but I don´t get every word. But maybe that is a blessing for now I only need to worry about the things I understand and work hard. One big thing I have been working on is teaching 50/50 with my companion. Making sure I jump in the lesson and teach the Gospel even if it is not perfect.( my Spanish that is)

Yes and I did survive the Fast! Wow, it is much more difficult fasting and doing missionary work. But so worth it. I know that the Lord blessed us with a beautiful day. It rained then a nice cool breeze came for the rest of the day. Thanks you Jesus! Haha no really I am so grateful for all the blessings we have.

Oooo I found food! Hehe, we went to a Super Market last P-day and I found some really yummy cereal, My PeanutButter Bars, and Nutella! OOOOO mi bondad! Cielo (Heaven). Hehe, I have nutella over wheat bread like everyday, sometimes twice a day. Well it´s beacause I have to finish the bread I bought before it goes bad. Hehe

Ya I think I will get a new camera here and send the old one home with some stuff. I will have to find some things here.

Yes I want to heard how Johnny is doing too, but don't really have time to email him! I will try! And don´t worry we have awesome Elders here! Really we are the best Zone!

Love you! Love you, Big Big Hearts!!!

Con Amor

Hermana Ochs

5 Apr 10 email

Mon, Apr 5, 2010 at 9:47 AM
subject Re: Happy Easter from Mom

Dear Madre!

Haha, ya I know I missed the Easter hunt and lots of candy! But wow was Conference awesome! There were so many talks about the family and it got me thinking about you guys. Mom thank you so much for all you did and do for me now! You have been the best mommy in the world! I will remember your faces when times might seem hard! The Elders and Sisters in my zone are awesome. One Elder just came up to me and said "How you doing Sister?" Yes I am a little teary eyed right now. Things like that once in a while really make me think how much my Heavenly Father loves me!!!! I love you so awesomely much, I hope you know that! Hehe pet Milo for me!

Hermana Ochs



Mon, Apr 5, 2010 at 10:23 AM
subject Re: Letter From Dad

HHHAAAAAAAHHHHAAA! Padre!
hahaha you riped your pants hahaha! Wow I needed to hear something like that. It is so nice to hear from you too! Man Conference was awesome! It really got me thinking about you guys and how much I love you!!! Dad you have been the bestest Father a kid could have! Thank you for being there for me and most importantly holding the Priesthood, going on a mission, and marrying my mom in the Temple! You are fully awesome, seriously!!!!!!!!

Wow ya I did see that TV Special about Panama! Haha and I saw the Teacher at the MTC that told me about Panama on the show. Hermano Oswald. I had no idea he did so much for the Mission here. That was awesome to see him on the TV. Oooo ya and in the Sataurday Afternoon session I saw our Choir director at the MTC too. He directed the youth choir.

Yes I saw all of the Conference sessions. All in English accept for the Sunday morning session because they needed more room to show the session in Spanish. Sooo yaaaa mmmm didn't get a lot of notes from that one. Haha but for the Last Session we watched in English. That is funny that is was raining there in Oakdale cause it rained here too. It was so hard that the satilite reception went out for awhile.

Me and my companion opened a new area and it was way too big for just us. So we spilt it with the Elders next to us. My Spanish is getting way better. I can understand so much better, at least hear words I know. And I am talking more and more.

I got a call from Elder Niendorf on April fools day hahaha. that was awesome. We had finished planning and we got a call. The calls are always for my companion but when she said it was for me I was "ooo no I am I in trouble." But it was Elder Niendorf!!!!!! Man I was sooo happy and I could totally recognize his voice .

Yes we have had a lot of stuff going on lately District Meeting, Weekly Planning with the Zone, Fasting for my first time out here for our investigators, General Conference, Pday, and tomorrow we have Zone Confernece with the Mission President and everybody! I was super greatful for General Conference during my Fast but this one coming up, man I hope I can make it with the heat and hard work. We will see.

Sooo I need to get a new camera my is just not working. But I do have some pictures for you.

Here is my direct mailing address!:

Hermana Ochs
Mision Panama
Carrasuilla, Etrega General, A.P. 0834
Panama, Republica de Panama

Much Mucho Amor Love!!!!!!!

Hermana Ochs

29 Mar 2010 email

Woooow! It is Hot Hot Hot here! I pretty much sweat all day long. In the words of Nacho, "My life is great. I sleep on a hard bed with no pillow. I use my blanket for my pillow. I take showers out of a bucket with nice cold water. I get sunburnt everyday, but I love it!" Hahaha no these are just some of the things that are super different here. We get to eat with the members everyday every lunch and dinner. So I am not starving here, so you don't have to worry about that. Ooooo I had octupus the other day. Mmm Mmm yummy....haha ya I ate it to have a cool story to tell.

But the people here are so super loving! Pretty much you can walk in to anybody's home and they welcome you with open brazos. Arms! I get lots of kisses from the Senoras.

My new comp is Hermana Graica. She in native to Nicaragua! hehe and super patient with me. Keep me in you prayers! This is some tuff work, but the best! Thank you for everything! Love you lots!

We had a pretty big area when we first got here, and where walking all over looking for members houses. Wow! One day we couldn't find a house so we visited with a less active member and she made us food. We shared a message with her and invited her to church! We also found another lady named Wendy and brought her to church with her daughter. Sunday was pretty good. Wow, we really don't get a lot of rest in this work. We had to get up super early to go find Wendy and the other member and bring them to church. Then we had a meeting with the Obispo (Bishop) and he assigned some of our area to the elders. Yes that was nice but we still have an area for awhile. fun fun fun.

Mmmm oooo ya I didn't tell you where I am hehe. I am in La Flordia area in David. Actually I am just outside the city, in the country. I am very greatful to not be in the city, for now. I think the people are nicer in the country. Ya I had to take a 8 hour bus ride here from Panama Panama city! crazy. So much change in such little time. But it is fine, I know God in watching out for me and you guys! Well ok time is up! Love YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hermana Ochs

17 Mar 10 letter

Dear Padres,
Dad, I want you to do a little jig like this guy. I love you guys. Man I had a great P-Day. I wrote a lot of people, got to email you guys, had an awesome time at the Temple with our whole district and had an Apostle of the Lord come and address all us missionaries. We were all super excited when the music director mentioned "you know that we all stand if an Apostle of the Lord enters the room." We were "Wow, that might mean there is one coming!" Then the Mission President got up and said "you told them, right?", still not telling us for sure or who. So guess who walked in...Elder Quentin L. Cook.☺ We all stood up!...on our tip toes. I can tell you that he is an Apostle of Jesus Christ. He knows our Savior. He told us that when they have their Temple meeting on Thursday they will go around the table reporting back on what they did for the week. He said that all the other Apostles were going to be jealous and ask how he got so lucky to talk to us missionaries. I know that the Apostles of the church loves us very much. He talked about how this is an incredible time to be doing missionary work. People are humbled and being humbled under the current circumstances. It is our responsibility to figure out how to feed his sheep, invite others to make commitments and repent!

President Smith told us about this protester who was outside the MTC today. This man is payed to come all the way from England to come stand outside the MTC and protest against the church. President Smith just told us not to worry or do anything. When we went to the Temple this morning we just walked by him but I started humming "Praise to the Man". After we all passed this man the Elders started sing the same song. It was great.

I hope your St. Patty's was great! I shared my gold coins and shamrocks with my district. Man, every day now is our last here! I need to fulfill my purpose here. Panama is going to be way totally awesome. I just can't wait to see what is looks and feels like in Panama. It has really been great weather here in Utah lately but there it's going to be tropical. I haven't felt that in a while. Land of eternal summer! I am excited to see the Temple there and Elder Niendorf and just all the new things.

Love you, love you, love you, mi Irish familia!

Con Amor, Espero ustedes tener Serte,

Hermana Ochs ☺