Last Tuesday, I woke up that morning with more energy than I have had possibly since before the MTC. I could feel your prayers in me. It was absolutely incredible to me how good I felt. Some days this week were more difficult than others, but after the 2nd half of my interview with President Laycock, I am 100 percent. (In the interview he asked me how I was doing and responded with a short answer very very well). After talking for a bit he asked me if I had any questions. I asked him to tell me what the spirit wanted him to tell me. The following council followed) He challenged me to get up at 7:25 and say my prayers kneeling up, and to be exactly obedient. That was all I needed to hear. …He is a very inspired and spiritually sensitive man. I haven’t been doing as well on my out of comfort zone experiences as I should. I need to take note of them after every day. Really, I am just trying to talk more and not hide behind Elder Valverde. He is so skilled at talking to people and making them our friends. I need to develop this quick so I can use it when he is gone. Transfers are in 2 weeks and he has been here for 5 months I think. …We are doing a mission Fast Tuesday after lunch till Wednesday. Pray for me to have strength. Many people in our mission are sick, so we are doing a mission fast to get them all better.
…I really enjoy all the little clips from the kids too. I just skimmed over the letter and saw something that made me jump back in my chair. (He is referring to Rachel getting engaged the next day; Rachel didn’t know it was coming so he couldn’t say much). My companion asked what was wrong and I had him read what had followed. What in the World! Are you kidding me? Shoot, if that´s the plan . . . I´m in. Let me know how it goes and if there is any possible way to sneak a camera in to see everything that would be sweet as cheese. … I´m so so so excited. Wow!
Yesterday, there was a baptism of a little 8 year old girl in our ward named Camila. We stayed after and watched it with Adolfo. I got teary eyed during the baptism, beginning to realize what it really means. After, I was shocked to be asked to be part of the circle of family that confirmed her a member of the church and gave her the gift of the holy Ghost. The spirit was so strong and I felt so humbled to be part. After the blessing everyone in the circle shook her hand and kissed her on the head or cheek (that’s what they do to great people) She stood in front of me at my waist and waited for a second for me to kiss her. There was a chuckle among those there. I was so humbled and grateful for the opportunity. We are working hard to be able to help Clevia and Matias this next week and also Adolfo, Venesa, Gina, Maria Jose, Jimena, Karla enter the waters of baptism in the following weeks. This week, we knocked doors and a woman let us in, but was a little hesitant because her son was sick. We entered and he was lying on the couch. He rolled over quickly as he saw us and we sat down. We began to talk and get to know them a little (mom, two sons, and a friend of the mother). We began teaching and the spirit was very very strong. It felt extra special. We taught about the Restoration and Eternal Families. I was able to share the part about Joseph Smith and his account. I felt myself speaking very clearly without mumbling and using the correct tenses of verbs. I felt very enlightened. My companion mentioned to me after how well I had spoken. I could hear myself speaking very well and I knew that I had, yet, I felt help beyond myself as I testified of the message of the Restoration. The Spirit is real and the gift of tongues is real. The mom asked after if we blessed people. We taught them a little about blessings from the Bible. I was shocked as the 14 boy stood up and hobbled over to the chair just a few feet from him. He has Arthritis and cannot move very well. I couldn’t help but remember the Apostles and Jesus Christ going about healing the sick and afflicted. I was prompted to memorize the uncion last week, so I was able to do it in Spanish. The blessing was incredible and talked of his healing through his faith and obedience. We are going back to teach them again Thursday when the dad should be there (a family!) of 6. Please keep praying for the investigators. There is more power in prayer than we know. Please continue, please.
I love serving and am loving being with Elder Valverde. I know we can still work harder and I need to be doing everything myself first so I can be blessed with power. I wrote in my journal, "This really is the life. I am really living the dream" I always pictured myself being retired and sitting on a chair on a porch of a cabin in the pines somewhere early in the morning just thinking and listening and watching. I am there right now. Not physically, but that is how peaceful and calm I am. I love being here family. There is nothing better to do ever, but, it is really hard too. I´m finding that nothing is worth it unless there is sacrifice involved. I love you and am praying for you. …Love you! Good luck with everything this week!!! I love you all.
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