So
It got up to 117 today. Too Hot? Nah... just getting started. It's
funny because this is like the norm for us. We see 100s everyday, so
it's not that outrageous. I mean yah, it's hot, but we've acclimated or
something. Very weird, but I guess that's Valley life for you. I told
people, since I was "born in the Valley" everywhere else I go will be a
vacation!! I do love it here though. There are days I don't, but the
majority makes me love it. The people are awesome, and it's a small
town, and just enough space on the roads so I don't crash!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!! FELIZ DIA DE
LOS PADRES!!! You are awesome Dad! Thanks for your letters! I'm sad
I Dad,
I must confess. You know our handshake? Well, there is one sweet little
mexican boy who has mastered it! At least it makes me remember you! His
name is Israelito. (His dad's name is Israel, so he's little Israel.
Hence, Israelito.) We go work in his Mom's store. I'll tell you more
about that in a bit.
This past week has been one of miracles and struggles.
Satan
is really trying hard on this companionship of ours, for one thing.
Some days we will be doing awesome and then one little thing, and it's
just awkward or contentious. It's been weird to be sitting there and
both of us knowing this whole thing isn't going to work without the
spirit, but we've talked about it and we can't even pin point the
problem. It's almost like we are looking for something that's not even
there? We joke that it's like Heavenly Father is just sitting up there
watching us with a smile
saying, "Girls, you're just not getting it..."But we talk, and we work it through, and we refocus on our people and things go back to normal again. But it's really easy to tell that Satan doesn't want this to work out, and so that's what makes us try harder to make it. This is God's work. Not ours. We are learning to do it His way.
saying, "Girls, you're just not getting it..."But we talk, and we work it through, and we refocus on our people and things go back to normal again. But it's really easy to tell that Satan doesn't want this to work out, and so that's what makes us try harder to make it. This is God's work. Not ours. We are learning to do it His way.
We like to throw Satan big curveballs though.
Just when he thinks we are breaking, we utilize the Atonement, and wham,
we get 4 people with a date!!! (This has not happened the whole 9 weeks
I have been in the field!)
We had a lesson with Nancy and
Daniella on Thursday, and brought Sister Juarez, who gets along really
well with Daniella. We taught the Restoration again, and this time
focused on the importance of the Book of Mormon, and the Gift of the
Holy Ghost after Baptism. And then we invited them to be baptized. The
Spirit was so strong, and they agreed to be baptized on July 11.
The
next day, we went to Chris and Blancas, and brought Marcus Garcia and
his wife with us. We taught, again, the restoration and emphasized the
importance of the Book of Mormon. Chris said something along the line
of, "Well this is the first time I've heard about this Smith Guy, but it
just feels right to me." They agreed to be baptized on June 27!! Chris
is Awesome! He only will speak in English, and Blanca will only speak
and can only understand Spanish. So when Chris talks about his feelings
about the Church, Blanca doesn't understand...
Now
here comes the other struggles. Here's the thing, and it's what I've
heard before, but never fully understood before, is that once people are
set for a date, all Hell breaks loose. And it's true.
Sunday,
only Blanca and Chris came to Church. Nancy had hurt her arm and was on
medication, and Daniella had stayed at a party too late. We went by
their house twice trying to get them to come, but to no avail. Blanca
came up to us and told us she wants us to give Chris more time, and she
wants the lessons to just be taught in Spanish... pow pow pow...here
come the fiery darts of the adversary.
But
we are learning to be like Samuel the Lamanite. We didn't let that stop
us, and on Monday, we had a lesson with just Daniella, where we taught
her the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the Cuevas Family and Bishop and
Sister Rolfe. It was powerful and the Spirit was there. And in the
meantime, Daniella met new friends to help support her in her decision.
We
just learn to roll with the punches. When things don't go the way we
plan, we have to hope that God's "Back up Plan" is really the Blueprint,
and that His ways seem small unto the understanding of Men.
As
for Guadalupe and the man that cried, we haven't been able to meet with
them again. It's been a struggle, but we again just have to go with it.
Try our best, and let God do the rest. We really want those families to
hear about the gospel, and we know that Heavenly Father does too. It's
all in His Timing. There are hearts that need softening there, but we
need to be there and prepared when they are.
Hna Howell
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