silver lining

HOLA TO ALL MY FAVORITE PEOPLE-

This week has by far been one of the BEST weeks of my mission. I have seen miracles, learned so much, FACETIMED MY FAMILY((very important)), and just been able to see the hand of God more in my life.

There's no specific miracle of the week because this week was FULL of miracles. Let's start off with our dear friend Moises. On Tuesday we had a quality lesson with him. We talked specifically about the gospel of Jesus Christ and the different steps we need to take to return to live with our Heavenly Father. Faith, repentance, baptism by the right authority, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Moises seriously understands everything so well. We talked about

the importance of all the steps and how this is exactly what God wants for him in his life right now. We said, "Moises, we've prayed and we feel like you are ready to be baptized. We think that you will be completely prepared by May 29th. Will you be baptized on that day?" And then he said, "of course, what can I do to prepare?" He had no doubts or fears he just wanted to move forward with complete faith. In every lesson I just have tears in my eyes with how perfectly prepared he is. He told us, "I want to die and be born again in this church, as a clean person." A little strong but I can really see so many changes in him and I love it. We had another lesson with him on Thursday and talked about the importance of reading the scriptures, praying, and going to church. Once again, he understood everything so well. He told us that he feels so much peace from the Book of Mormon. He said that he decided to pray specifically about it to confirm what he felt and he received a real witness that it's true. Amazing. He said that when he reads it he can really feel it filling up his soul and making him life brighter. I can testify of that. The Book of Mormon really is the word of God. It has the answers to all of life's questions and brings so much peace and comfort to my life. Guys, Read it. I promise it'll change your life. I have seen it change lives and I'm watching it happen right now with this sweet man. He was lost, but thanks to the power of the Book of Mormon, he's finding himself. Then Saturday we had ANOTHER lesson and this one made me a little more nervous. We talked about the word of wisdom, which is basically a health code from God. It's the things we should and shouldn't do to keep our bodies healthy. We knew that Moises smokes so we were worried that maybe it would be too hard for him. We prayed for the spirit to help confirm to him that this really is a commandment and that it would bless him life. And of course, the lesson went SO well. He will probably have a hard time with quitting smoking completely but he's so willing to do it. He's so ready to be baptized I'm so excited for him. He's so excited too. He tells everyone and the ward is so great and supportive with everything he's doing. Also, on Sunday we went with him to a members house to watch the movie of Joseph smiths life (LOVE IT, go watch it right now) and it was great. I love Joseph smith. Moises also came church and this time he even took Paloma to primary!!!(classes for the kids) I think he's feeling a lot more comfortable here and with the ward and that's really great for him.

Now, an update on our friend merci. The young mom with 2 kids that's been listening to missionaries for quite a while. AND GUESS WHAT. SHE NOW HAS A BAPTISM DATE TOO!!!!!!!! I genuinely cannot contain my excitement!!!!!!!!! She's preparing to be baptized June 10th. Hopefully I'll still be here, but we're doing everything we can to prepare her. She's been reading and praying every day and she's just so happy. I can see it in her eyes. She has a problem with smoking too

but she's officially been a week and a half without any cigarettes!!! Amazing!!!!! The gospel is amazing!!!!!! I love watching changes in these people. It makes all the hard day's worth it. In other exciting news, Beatriz and Jesus finally had their interview to get married!!!! They haven't picked a date yet but once they get married they'll be baptized pretty soon after. I'm so excited :-)

I had to give my first talk on Sunday. In Spanish. 15 minutes. In front of the whole Spanish speaking ward. At first I was terrified but it really wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. It was a proud moment for me because I wrote it all by myself and Hermana Vigo only needed to correct one part!!!! Just think, two months ago I would've looked at what I wrote and been completely confused and now, I can understand what it means and truly let it sink into my heart. I'll attach a screenshot of parts of it because it's kinda cool to see Spanish. I have to speak in my district meeting on Tuesday too. It's a little more intimidating in there because it's like a class and it has to be 15 minutes as well. Wish me luck!!!!!!

The mission is so fun. Yes it's hard but it's so worth it when I think of all the miracles I'm seeing. I'm loving every minute of it-even the hard days. On quote from Jeffrey R. Holland that I love says, "Even if you cannot always see that silver lining on your clouds, God can, for He is the very source of the light you seek." God loves us. He wants us to succeed MORE than we want to succeed. If you just turn to him, I promise he'll help you and you'll be able to find that silver lining in your trials. He's there, with his hand always stretched out.

Today is Hermana Vigo's birthday (she's 22) and when I asked her what she wanted to do for the day she said, "sleep for 4 hours." So there ya go, we both had some quality naps today and it's been great.

Well, that's all my time for this week. I love love love you all more than I can say. Thank you for everything and for you examples and love and support. I'm so blessed.

Keep reading your scriptures and keep on rocking it out there!!!!

Besitos,

Hermana Spangler