Highlights of the Week

I don't know where the time went. I still have to write president, but highlights of the week...

The first couple of weeks I was here in Jardines we went and had a visit with a super menos activo familia, the Boer family. For whatever reason, taking offence or whatever it might be, they hadn't gone to church for three years. They were sealed in the temple and a very active family before. I felt a strong connection to them, and I felt Heavenly Father's love for them so strongly. I decided to just keep going back every now and then. Brother Boer, Arturo, always had this feeling, this yearning to go back, but his wife didn't and he didn't want it to split them up. So he wouldn't come. Four weeks ago I saw him at the office and I felt strongly to tell him about Nefi. I told him he didn't always have the support he needed from his family, but that in the end he was an example. He acted in fe. Fe is accion. And so he came to church, it was amazing. He has come every week since. He came by himself the first week. The second with his son, and then last week was a miracle. His daughter in law (who two months ago said, "Don't come back here. I don't want the church. I am Evangelica. Do not come back.") was there and had her baby blessed. It was absolutely incredible. Hopefully Hermana Boer will come to church tomorrow. We've promised some cool blessings and I hope she has realized them. It's been and amazing experience for me to see the change in Arturo. There is a brightness in his eyes now. I love it.

Two weeks ago a man stopped us on the street and said he wanted to stop drinking and felt like we could help. Oh Benjamin. Ha. We got him to church on Sunday, but he was still slightly hung over. I was up on the stand playing the piano and Hermana was sitting next to a ward missionary and he tore a hymn book. And, who knows... It was so funny to watch, but very sad at the same time to see someone so completely unable to control himself.

Last Saturday, Hermana Lambert asked President about playing basketball. They used to play with the assistants awhile ago. Well we did again and it was so fun. Yesterday Lambert was having a rough time with some stuff and asked to talk to President. He responded to have a sita at 9:30. He said he'd by to pick us up. So we got to the church at ten with the president, his wife, their son and all of the ten assistants. We played for the next two hours and then he was mad that all the fast food was closed. So we went back to his house for hot chocolate and bread. And we just talked for awhile and he took us home after. He says that we all needed to relax and have some fun. We might play this afternoon again. He is amazing. I know he is one of the reasons that I am in the mission.

I hope all is going well. I am sorry the letter is so short. Know that I am loving the mission. Yes, there are hard times, but I am learning everyday. I am learning about my gifts and talents and trying to develop them. I love inviting people to listen to more of the gospel and I know it can change their lives. I am grateful for this experience. I need the refining process of the mission and the converting power of the mission. Thank you all for your support and love and examples. Love you.

PS. Lydia and Huber and Angel Torres are slowly progressing. They need the courage to come to church and recognize the answers they are receiving. Please put them in the temple and pray for them. Thanks!