MI QUERIDA GENTE HERMOSA-
Well, another fabulous week in the Lord’s work. We've laughed and we've cried and we've
seen some crazy cool miracles.
Also, I hit 6 MONTHS yesterday!!!!! That means I've already been here for 1/3 of my mission and
I cannot tell you how fast it fleeeeew by.
I hate to be the one to have to break the sad news but we're
gonna start with that. On Tuesday,
iris' sweet mother passed through this life and onto the next. It's been a pretty tough time for all
of us, but Iris seems to be the one holding all of us up with the knowledge
that we'll all see her again. The
ward out here had been so supportive and so helpful. Iris came to church on Sunday and shared a small
testimony in relief society. She talked about how she literally had no family but she has
never felt alone because she has found a family in the ward and found comfort
in the Savior. We're going to meet
with her this week and get everything settled. She told us that her older sister wants to start coming to
church and be baptized as well.
That's a miracle in itself because this new covenant will give them SO
much peace and make it possible for Jesus Christ to carry the
burdens and the pains that they've had for so long. That's what's possible with baptism, it unlocks the keys to
the atonement and the ability to be free from anything.
On Wednesday, we had interviews with the president. He's SUCH a good man. We talked about a lot of things and he
gave me some much needed advice and words that I know will carry me throughout
the mission. He shared a story
with me that I want to share with you:
"Sometime ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to
read the scriptures and make them the subject of conversation. While reading the third chapter of
Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse. "And He shall sit as a refiner and
purifier of silver." One
lady's opinion was that it was intended to convert the view of the sanctifying influence of Christ. Then she proposed to visit and
silversmith and report to them what he had said on the subject. She went accordingly and, without
telling the object of her errand, begged to know the process of refining
silver, which he fully described to her.
"But sir," she said, " do you have to sit
while the work of refining is going on?"
"Oh, yes, madam," replied the silversmith, "I
must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary
for the refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be
injured." The lady at once
saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression, "He shall sit as a
refiner and purifier of silver."
Christ sees it needful to put His people into the furnace; but His eye is
steadily intent on the work of purifying, and his wisdom and love are both
engaged in the best manner for them.
Their trials do not come at random; and they are only as intense and
last only as long as is necessary for the refining process- "the very
hairs on your head are
all numbered."
As the lady was preparing the leave, the silversmith
concluded by saying that he knows the process is complete when he can see HIS
OWN image reflected in the silver."
Just love that story and love the idea that we can be
refined in Christ's image through our trials. To me, it makes perfect sense that we need to have trials to
learn and grow and become the people that God wants us to be.
Hermana Bailey is my new favorite person (shocker, huh?) and
we get along great. She is SO
funny and just fun to be around. Not to mention, she has no shame with talking
to people even though she can't speak a word of Spanish. We are having so much fun together and
STILL in the finding process but STILL working hard. This week we've found a few more people so we'll see how
that goes.
Training is hard but it's definitely fun. I've failed this week because unlike my
trainer, I allowed a boy to give Hermana Bailey besitos. This is a live and learn kind of
experience. The boy happened to be
Iris' 18 year old boyfriend which made it all a little more awkward
hahahahaha. Iris and I just
watched it happen and then died laughing because there was nothing we could do about it.
I wish I had more stories to share about new people but
unfortunately, all the prepared people are hiding somewhere. God has another idea of what he wants
to happen here but pretty soon the miracles are going to EXPLODE. I'll keep you guys posted.
Anyways, I love love love you all. Thanks for being my favorite people out there.
Lots of love,
Hermana Spangler
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