who needs power when you have SCRIPTURE power

HOLA MI FAMILIA Y AMIGOS-

WELL, it's been a week hasn't it???  I, for one, have had a crazy week.  The good news is that after transfer calls, Hermana Bailey and I learned that we for sure get to stay together for 6 more weeks!!!  ((We figured that would happen because I need to finish her training))

On Thursday, a less active man called us and told us that his girlfriend, Angeles, wanted to start taking the lessons and get baptized!!!!  We had a lesson with her on Thursday and we taught the restoration.  It went really well and Antonio (the less active) helped out a lot.  We asked her why she wanted to start taking the lessons and she said that she always felt peaceful and happy when she was in the church. She said she wanted a little more of that in her life.  We invited her to be baptized and have a goal for the 24th of September!!!

Norma & Gerrard are doing good.  Life is start to getting crazier with the baby being due in 2 weeks!!!!   We're going to have to change their baptism date due to the circumstances, but they're still progressing a lot!!!  Since the first time we met them, they've been coming to church every Sunday and meeting with us 2 or 3 times a week.  I just love them both so much.  We're trying to get them into the habit of reading and praying together but it's just so difficult because they speak

different languages.

This week, Hermana Bailey and I focused a lot on trying to teach lessons and hand out copies of the Book of Mormon in our contacting.  It's been SO beneficial.  Most of the people weren't so interested in us coming back but they always took the book. We've been trying to write our testimonies in the front covers so we're hoping that one day, they'll open up their hearts!!!  Even if they don't want anything right now, it's always a blessing if they can have a Book of Mormon in their house.  I love the Book of Mormon.  It's such a beautiful book and it truly is the word of God.  One day, I want to be as powerful a witness of Jesus Christ as the Book of Mormon.

On Tuesday, during language study, the power in our piso went out-including the lights, the AC, the fridges, the stove, and the washing machine.  We called a bunch of people and tried to fix it but couldn't figure out what was wrong.  We flipped the breaker switches and checked everything but to no avail.  We bagged up all our perishable food and hauled it down to the church and stored it in the fridge there. We realized they don't have a freezer so we called about half the ward to see who had a little extra room in their freezer.  It was a mess.  We came home to a pitch black, burning hot piso and basically just cried and planned with a candle being our only light. ((Pictures attached))  We FINALLY got a hold of our landlord and she said she would be right over to see the problem.  She literally walked in, flipped ONE switch, and then everyone turned back on.  We were so embarrassed :/ but it's okay because she's actually an old investigator too so we finally got to meet her!!!!

Everyone keeps asking me to send updates on the differences in the cultures and foods.  Spain really isn't THAT different than America, but here are a few things I've noticed:  Weddings here are a HUGE deal for everyone.  All people dress up like they’re going to prom- fancy dresses, high heels, full out makeup, professional hairstyles, tuxedos, the whole shebang.  And for that reason, there are "prom dress" stores on practically every corner.  Doorknobs are in the low-middle part of every door.  Nobody here has just a regular door knob. Spanish people have 5 meals a day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, a meal between breakfast and lunch, and another meal between lunch and dinner.  They basically just eat all day but their biggest and most important meal is the lunch.  Drivers here are CRAZY-if you've ever been to Europe, you know what I mean.  They also park basically as close as they possibly can in every spot where there is parallel parking.  If there's not enough room, they sometimes even just kinda nudge their way in, pushing cars out of the way with their own car. ((Picture attached))

I have absolutely fallen in love with Spain and with the mission.  I am having the time of my life and learning and growing so much. Thanks for all your support and love!!!!!  Love and miss you guys so so much.

Besitos,

Hermana Spangler

a sacred responsibility

MI GENTE PRECIOSA-

We've hit about every range of emotions this week-so it's been pretty normal!!!!! We've been in a trio this week with my girl Hermana Kealm.  We're from the same MTC group so it's been way fun to catch up and to work together.  I just love her to death :')  Normally, it would be pretty stressful to be in a trio, but we've just been having a grand time laughing, crying, eating way too much ice cream, contacting EVERYONE, and telling stories.

Let's start off with our friends Norma and Gerrard :-)  We've been working a ton with them and they are progressing so well!!!!  Normally, we really struggle because we don't know how to teach them in two different languages but this week, with Hermana Kealm, we were finally able to have a quality lesson with them both!!! On Wednesday, Hermana Kealm taught Gerrard Spanish while we taught Norma the first lesson.  It went SO good.  Norma is just proof that God is preparing people for

us.   We talked about how much this message is going to bless her little family, about the restoration, and the Joseph smith experience.  After sharing his experience, I said, "do you think it's possible that Joseph Smith really saw God?"  And she told us that she believed it completely.  She told us that when she was 12, she lived in a Catholic home with nuns for teachers.  She was in Bolivia by herself and just felt so alone.  She said she remembers praying with all her heart to feel better.  She had a dream that night that God came to her and wrapped her in a hug and said, "you're not alone, I'm here to take care of you."  She told us that she believed that Joseph Smith saw God because she'd seen Him and never forgotten the experience.  Then we asked her to get baptized and she accepted!!!!!  Right now, we're working towards the 9th of September so keep her in your prayers.  She might actually have her baby around that time so right now it's a goal they're working towards to pray and know for themselves that this church is true.

On Friday, thanks to Hermana Kealm, we were able to teach Gerrard.  It was super weird because it's been a while since I've shared the first lesson in English.  I'm definitely more comfortable doing it in Spanish, but thankful that the gift of tongues  works both ways.  Update, Gerrard is doing SO so so much better.  He's happier and nicer and more fun to be around and I just love teaching him.  Anyways, with him we had to kinda go to level 0 but he seemed to understand it really well.  He kept saying, "This makes so much sense to me" or "I feel so happy listening to this" or "I really wanna know if this is true."  IT WAS SO COOL.  We talked about the Book of Mormon and how it was evidence that Joseph Smith was a prophet.  We asked him to read and pray SPECIFICALLY about it.  He was so cute and SO excited to ask God.  I don't know how to explain it, but he's just like a giant 5 year old and he was so excited to learn all of it.  We are working towards baptism on September 9th with him as well.

This week, I read a talk called, "What have you done with my name?"  It really made me reflect my mission and look back and see how I have been serving as a representative of Jesus Christ.  But it also made me look back on my life and ask the same question.  A mission is a great time to focus 100% on the Lord and His work but as followers and disciples of Christ, we have the responsibility to make him PROUD of how we are using his name.  What a sacred responsibility he has given us.

I just love you guys with all my heart, thanks for everything!!!!

Con muchisimo amor,

Hermana Spangler

happy days

TO ALL MY DEAREST PEOPLE-

We did it!!!!! Yesterday, we had the most special baptismal service for Iris.  The chapel was full of her friends and full of the spirit. We got there early to prepare and to greet everyone and take a billion pictures.  The baptism service started at about 7. We sat upfront with Iris and her sister ((who is not a member)) so that we get have a good view of everything.  One of Iris' best friends, Julia, spoke about baptism and then our mission leader, David, spoke about the spirit- he had us all crying.  Then the young single adults sang, "when I am baptized" and it was so beautiful.  The spirit came in so sweet.  We then headed for the baptismal font and helped Iris get in and get ready-she was SO nervous.  Her best friend, David ((the one that introduced her to the church)) was able to do the baptism and it went perfectly. Iris came back up out of the water smiling so big :') we were there waiting for her with a towel and I just could help but hug her so tight.  She was so cute and jumping around saying, "I did it!! I'm a member!!  I was baptized!!  I'm so happy!!!!" over and over again.  She was so happy and you could see it in her eyes and in her face.  She quickly changed and we went back to the chapel to finish off the meeting.  She went up to bear her testimony and it was the SWEETEST testimony I have ever heard.  She talked about how she came to find the church and how she came know it's true.  She talked about everything with mom and the effect that had on her.  She said, "A few days before my mom passed away, I said, 'mom I'm getting baptized.' My mom looked at me and said, 'You know I won't be around much longer.  I won't be there in body, but I'll be there in spirit.' I know my mom is here and happy with the decision that I've made. I've never been happier."  It was so sweet and sincere and she just had a light shining out of her face.  We were able to have 6 investigators come to the baptism, so I'm hoping they were able to feel of the spirit there.   Iris was confirmed on Sunday as an official member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was able to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. What a special moment it was for all of us to be a part of it :))  The gospel really blesses people's lives. Iris is a perfect example of that.  The gospel doesn't take away our problems and trials-we're all gonna have those, but it just makes them a little easier.  What we share is a message of hope and happiness.   I have no doubt in my mind that it's all true.

Norma and Gerrard ((found out that we've all just misunderstood his name hahaha)) are doing great!!!  They are actually progressing and reading and praying. We had a QUALITY lesson with them this week.  Gerrard was being pretty negative about a few things so Hermana Bailey just kinda of put it straight.  She said, "Do you want to be happy??"  He gave the obvious answer of yes and she said, "we have the secret and we can tell you right now."  We told him about the importance of reading and praying and going to church and how that blesses our lives.  We shared examples, including that of Iris, of how the gospel makes us happy.  I think it all finally clicked for him because we've noticed that he's been a lot more willing and a lot happier.  We are SO excited to watch them keep progressing.

I know this gospel is true and that it really is a gospel of happiness.  Sad?  Read the Book of Mormon.  Lonely?  Pray.  Lost?  Broken?  Weighed down?  We have all the answers.  The gospel brings a light and happiness and new meaning to people's lives and that is all because of Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice.  Thanks to him, we can be clean and happy and find a new life.  He loves us SO much that he made it all possible.  He never gets tired of forgiving us or helping us or listening to us.  I know that to be a fact.

I LOVE this gospel, I LOVE being a missionary, and I LOVE you all,

Hermana Spangler

Consecration 64

MI QUERIDA GENTE HERMOSA-

I've tried my very hardest to always give really detailed emails and tell lots of stories but I'm sorry to say that this one is gonna be short and sweet.

This week, we had a fantastic zone meeting on the importance of obedience and being a consecrated missionary. They really drilled it into us to work as hard as we can in every single moment. Hermana Bailey and I have been working super hard and contacting as many people as we can. One funny contact this week went like this:

Bailey-hi we're missionaries from the church of Jesus Christ and we share a message about him

Me-do you believe in God?

Chinese man-are you guys American?

Bailey-yes

Man-your Spanish is terrible

Me-well we've only been here for a little bit so we're learning

Man-so are you from China?

Me-no?? We're from America

Man-hahahahha I hate America bye

Then he just walked away laughing hahahahahha so Hermana Bailey and I were pretty confused but it's makes for a funny story especially because we saw him again later and when he say is he straight ran the other direction :/

We've had some really good contacts this week as well and received a lot of numbers and addresses from people-we have a few appointments set up for next week so I'll let you know how that goes.

Everything with Iris is still going according to plan!!!! She had her baptismal interview and passed with flying colors :') she makes me a proud missionary. Our district leader said she's super ready and totally agree. Her testimony is rock solid and I'm so excited for this step. We changed the baptism to the 13th so that she can get confirmed the 14th, instead of having to wait a week. I'll let you guys know how it goes next Monday.

Our friends Norma and Jared ((English guy and his pregnant girlfriend)) are still progressing and came to church AGAIN this week. Norma absolutely loved every minute of it so I'm seeing a bright future ahead for her. It's hard because we want to teach her but Jared is always there and complains when we speak Spanish the whole time-we're still working on that. I love them to death and we have about 3 appointments with them every week so we're hoping to see some progress. Hermana Bailey was talking to Norma after church about everything and she said, "I like coming to church because I like the way I feel." That's music to a missionaries ears :)) we're gonna try to commit her to baptism this week or work with Jared on complaining less hahahaha I'll keep you updated.

Anyways, love you all so so so much :-)

Hermana Spangs

it's getting hot over here

MY BEAUTIFUL FAMILIA AND AMIGOS-

Do you guys have any idea at all how much I love you???  I feel so blessed every day to have the family and friends that I do, thanks for being you.

So, on Tuesday, a super less active guy that we try to visit every week walked into the church with his girlfriend because he wanted to show her around ((happens a lot because our new building is BEAUTIFUL)) and he asked us to give them a tour, although he ended up getting really excited and wanting to explain everything to her.  She was so sweet and told us that she felt something different whenever they talked about the church and especially now, inside the building.  She doesn't live here right now, she's in the process of moving, but once she's all settled in we're gonna start teaching her.

On Wednesday, an interesting couple walked into the church looking for people to talk to.  Let me tell you a little bit about their back story.  Norma is Colombian, and she speaks barely any English.  Jared is from England, and speaks no Spanish ((at all)).  Turns out, she's now pregnant with his child so he decided to move out here to live with her and they're trying to turn their lives around.  They came in to ask us if we could  teach Jared some Spanish and then share with them our beliefs. Norma knows a little bit about the church and they want to know how to raise their baby in a good environment-what better place to do that in the church?  At first, I was a little skeptical about the situation but I have grown to love them SO much. They came to the church a few days ago to work on spanish and they're so great.  We shared the Book of Mormon with them ((me, talking to Norma in Spanish and Hermana Bailey with Jared in English))  It was an interesting lesson but it went good overall and we committed them to read and pray about it.  I testified over and over again about how the Book of Mormon has answers to all of life's questions-especially about how they can raise a little girl together in this crazy situation and this crazy world.  I've learned that the Book of Mormon isn't just a book you read in church, it really does apply to our day and can help us learn how to be better people.  Then, we had a barbecue on Saturday and they came!!  They talked and ate and met people and Jared was walking around asking everyone what their name was in his new language.  Then, they both showed up on Sunday as well!!!  I spent the whole meeting translating it to Jared but it went really well.  Norma LOVED it, she's totally interested and wants to come back!!!  It was fantastic.  They're both so special and they have a lot of potential.

In regards to Iris, she's back on track with her baptismal date!!!!  We had a great lesson with her this last week and planned everything out.  Her new date is August 14.  It's been hard to pick a date because she has a few specific people she wants to be able to go but with summer, everyone's traveling.  We finally picked the 14th and she's super happy about it.  At the barbecue we had, I watched her go around telling everyone about it :))  She came up to me later and said, "I'm pretty sure the whole ward knew about my baptism date before I did, every time I tell people they just say, 'yeah I already know.'"  Thanks to her best friend who is more than excited that she's finally getting baptized.  She's so great and I'm so excited to watch her take this step in her life.

Speaking of the barbecue, it was such a success!!! ((Video attached)) It was the two wards from San Fernando so it was pretty big.  We had 8 investigators come from our area!!!!! 8!!!!  I was so happy & it was a good opportunity for people to meet and talk and eat.  Activities are so important and SO great to bring friends to-it's a chance for people to feel our love and friendship and realize that we are just as normal as everyone else.

Hermana Bailey and I have been working a lot more with the members and strengthening our relationships with them.  We've been teaching the members the investigator lessons and always ask them to be thinking about someone that they can invite to hear us :))  It's been pretty successful so far and we've received a lot of referrals!!!!

Thanks for everything!!  You guys are the best and my biggest support system.  Keep smiling and keep finding friends to bring to church.  I love you all and I love being a missionary.

All my love,

Hermana Spangler