MY FAVORITE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD-
This week was a week of learning. It's one I will remember because it was hard. We did not have a lot of RESULTS, but we had a lot of
SUCCESS. I would say that results are measured by people we find to teach or new baptism dates but success is measured by how hard we are working and how happy we stay in moments of difficulty.
I learned the importance of humility. This week has been hard because no one on the street wanted to talk to us and all our citas fell through. Really, we only taught about the 4th of the lessons we had planned. I was wondering what we're doing wrong or what we could do better, praying for guidance and strength every day. We were working so hard and talking to everyone and calling people and asking for references but nothing. I soon found out that my sweet companion has been working on humility this week and praying to have more in her life. That explained everything. I realized that we really cannot do this work without the hand of God. He is in everything we do and we HAVE to trust him. He'll lead us to where we need to go and help us with what we need to say. Without him, we're just regular human beings, striving to be better. With him, we can be powerful, life-changing missionaries. In conference this weekend, Steven E. Snow said, "Humility allows us all to be a little better." I LOVE that. We could all use a little more humility.
I learned about the importance of a smile. Yes, this week was hard but I never found myself sad or angry. At times I would feel discouraged but Heavenly Father always somehow gives us the extra strength or boost that we need. There is nothing that I know more than the fact that smiling will always put you in a better mood. Did you know that it's been proven that smiling alone can lift you spirits? At times when nothing was going right, I would put a huge smile on my face and decide that I want going to make the next person I talked to smile. It always made me feel better. On Saturday, Hermana Vigo and I had about 3 extra hours of nothing planned. Everything had fallen through. Nighttime is always harder because there are less people in the streets AND not to mention there was a huge fútbol game Saturday night that everyone was watching. We were trying to visit anyone we could but no one was home so we just ended up contacting on the street. We
ran into this woman and started talking to her. She seemed so sad. I
wanted to ask her what was wrong but didn't wanted to pry in her
personal life so I just said , "Every person this earth has
challenges, but we know that God loves us. God loves you. We have a special message that can strengthen you and bring you peace and happiness." Her eyes actually lit up a little bit. We asked her if she wanted to learn more and she said yes. She gave us her number and address and I handed her our card. It has a picture of Jesus on it and has a website with an Easter video that we've been showing to
everyone. She smiled SO big and said, "for me?" And I said, "yes!!! Our number is in on this card if you ever need anything. We're here to serve you." It was like we had made her whole life with this little card. I don't know if we'll really ever see her again or if she'll progress at all. But what I do know is that I made her smile. And sometimes, that's the only thing that people really need. In the General conference of 2015, Elder Hugo Montoya said, "Smile. This small action can help those who are overwhelmed or burdened." So all of you reading this today, go make someone smile today.
Speaking of general conference, WOW. Wasn't this weekend just the best??? I feel so blessed and grateful to have had the opportunity to watch it. My heart brimmed with joy knowing that at the exact same time I was watching conference in my beautiful country of Spain, most of my friends and family were watching it in their own homes. I pictured my sweet family sitting together in the living room with blankets and pillows and fruit loops, gathered around to watch the prophet speak. At the end of every talk, I could almost hear my mom in her agreement saying, "AMEN" because the talk was so good. It made me feel closer to the people that I love so much but it also made me so happy that all around the world, people are gathering together to learn and be spiritually uplifted from the leaders of the church. If you didn't get the chance to watch it, go online and watch it. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, go on lds.org and look it up. I promise you'll learn something that will touch your heart.
Okay funny story. As you all my remember from previous emails, out here in Spain we greet everyone with two kisses on their cheeks. Everyone does it to everyone. However, as missionaries we can only "besito" with women and have to shake hands with men. On more than one occasion I have watched Hermana Vigo quickly duck out of a kiss and explain that we aren't allowed to do that. Yesterday, we were sitting on a bench and calling the district leaders to report or numbers for the week. A group of men passed by and said hi so naturally, I said hi back. One man put his hand out to shake my hand so I was thinking, "great an opportunity to share the gospel!!!!" No, I was wrong. The man went in to kiss me on the cheek and for a split second I literally had no idea what was going on. Thankfully, Hermana Vigo came to my rescue. She literally shoved her hand in front of the man's mouth and pushed his face backwards hahahahhahahahahahhahahahahah I was dying.
We proceeded to tell them that we couldn't do that because we are
missionaries and they sadly walked away. Oops. But if anyone out there is worried about some spaniard men actually kissing me, don't
worry!!!! I have a high quality protector!!!!
Well anyways, I love you all and miss you like crazy!!!!! Thank you for your support and your love and everything else.
Besitos and handshakes from your favorite spaniard,
Hermana Spangler
D&C 68:6
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