Monday, January 9, 2017

there is sunshine in my soul today

MY DEAREST LOVED ONES-

This was one of those uphill/downhill every single day weeks but the ups DEFINITELY outweigh the downs so I feel blessed once again to get to tell you all a little bit about what happened.

The downside mostly consisted of Hermana Højholdt being super sick and me having an almost broken foot-which kinda put a stop on a few days of work this week.  But of course, Heavenly Father was really merciful and kept the miracles raining down.  I've found myself noticing that I feel his mercy and love even on the days where we are just walking and walking in the cold and not seeing any success.  I think it's just a miracle in itself that I get to walk the streets of this beautiful country with my companion and the savior at my side.

We are teaching a woman (Rosa) and her daughter (Rocio) right now.  They are the most PRECIOUS people I have ever come in contact with.  We started teaching them at first because Rocio needed help with English but they turned out to be GOLDEN investigators.  We spend a half hour or so reviewing Rocio's homework and making up songs and drawing things to help her ((the teacher side of me really shines through)).  Then they get super excited and ask, "Can you share a message with us
now?"  And we all come together in their warm little living room and share a message.  The spirit is always SO sweet and I can feel the savior and his love so present in every lesson.  One time, we were teaching, and Rosa told us that she had lost 2 babies to miscarriages.  We promised her that they would still be her babies and that one day she would be able to hold them in her arms again.  The spirit confirmed all of our words and then Rocio said, "Wait, so does that mean when I die, my mom will still be my mom?"  We told her that yes of course they could be a forever family, and then it was like a movie moment and they got so happy and Rocio hugged her and I don't think my heart has ever smiled so big :)))))  THEN, the second time we went by (2 days later), Rocio said, "I read the first chapter of the Book of Mormon.  I didn't really know what to do so I just read in the pamphlet on how to pray, said a prayer, read the chapter, and prayed again afterwards.  It made me feel really good inside." !!!!!!!!  SHE’S TEN.  I wish someone recorded the reactions of Hermana Højholdt and I-we were both smiling so big our cheeks almost fell off.  She said a really sweet prayer at the end of the meeting as well :') They couldn't come to church this week because they were out of town but they are really excited to come soon!!!!

Also, we have an investigator named Maria that is working towards baptism on her birthday!!!!   We had a really good lesson together where we read 3 Nephi 11 and talked about the importance of baptism.  Maria is an 80 year old woman who just loves Christ and LOVES the Book of Mormon.  She's already in Alma 45 :)) When I invited her to be baptized she answered before I could even finish!!!!  It went like this: Me-"Maria, will you follow the example of Jesus Chr---" Maria-"UNTIL I DIE"
Me((a little shocked))-"oh great!!! Will you be baptized on February 11th?" Maria-"yes!!! I was born that day, I think it only make sense to be spiritually reborn on the same day" :):):):):):):):):):):):):) <<this was me and Hermana Højholdt

All I can say is that I love my Heavenly Father.  I love Jesus Christ.  I love this church and I LOVE being a missionary. ((Alma 36:24-25))  Also, Lorenzo, Andi, and Robert were baptized and confirmed this week :)) The hermanas in San Fernando were telling me that the service was absolutely perfect and I just feel so blessed to have been a part in their conversion.  It's really beautiful to be able to watch God’s hand
touch everyone's life out here and I love having a front row seat.  Take the time to look for his hand in your life, I promise you'll see it!!!!

All my love,

Hermana Spangler


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