let us all press on

MY DEAREST PEOPLE-

This week went by SUPER fast but when I look back at all the things that happen, it feels like it's lasted weeks. I guess that's a good thing, right??

GUESS WHAT- so today is iris' birthday so for pday today we came to San Fernando and I surprised her!!!  It was fun to see her and hug her and laugh with her.  She's doing really great :') However, I am the worst because I totally forgot to take a picture with her :/

Also, Chela((from Alcalá)) GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!  She finally did it!!!!!  Pics below :-)

First things first, we had consejo this week!!!!! Ah, what a seriously beautiful and uplifting experience it was. The APs ((assistant to the president)) and SUSHEs ((SHEs for the sister training leaders)) all spoke and we got to listen to President and Hermana Andersen as well :)) I learned so much about how to be a better missionary and how to trust in the lord.  I was actually moved to tears because the spirit was so strong.  President played a video of the Mormon tabernacle choir singing "let us all press on" and we all just felt a BURST of animo and a desire to be better.   I love remembering that we can have COURAGE because the lord is always on our side.  He really is always on our side and I can testify of that.  So many times this week Hermana Højholdt and I would be at the point of not being able to walk one more step and God would send us some little miracle to keep us going.  One night we came home and agreed that when we got up we didn't think we were going to get through the day, but that it actually went a lot faster than we thought it would. Heavenly Father is so so good to us.  Whether it's putting someone in our path that will actually talk to us or just a house that's all pretty and decorated for Christmas or a song that comes on an EFY CD from 2009 that says just what we need to hear.  He

pushes us and encourages and keeps us moving forward and then when we can’t do it anymore, he picks us up in his arms and carries us the rest of the way.

After consejo, that meant that we and the zone leaders were in charge of the zone meeting.  ((Yikes)) but no, it actually went a lot better than I thought it would!!!!  I gave a taller ((lesson/workshop)) on setting goals and I think I learned a lot more writing it than the zone did listening hahahahaha but it's okay it went good.  The elders and Hermana Højholdt each talked about something as well.  We made hot chocolate and muffins and ate it together and it was a good time.

This week, we passed by the house of a less active man that we have never met.  The door opened for the first time ever and a 17 year old girl came out.  We talked to her for a little bit and then showed her the Christmas video ((it's a big hit out here)).  She said, "Can you guys come back again when my family is here?  I want them to see it too."  Ummmmm OF COURSE.  So we're hoping she's the key to coming in contact with her parents.  The Christmas video is bringing us crazy miracles and we've been using it in every single contact hahahaha no shame it's beautiful.  People are opening up a lot more-that's just what Christmas does to ya :))

I love Christmas.  I love the gospel.  I love being a missionary and I LOVE YOU ALL.

Besitos,

Hermana Spangler

PS-If you guys wanna write me, I won't complain :::)

Ronda del Peliron N.53, edif.2, 1°D

Jerez de la Frontera 11405

España