HOOOOOOLA FAMILIA!!!!!
Sounds like your week has been super busy!! But at the same time, an extremely awesome week! That's great to hear about the graduations, concerts, activities and SWING DANCING! (I just have to say, it sounds like EVERYONE had a blast at that one! You've got to let me know how the next one goes!)
Oh, and I when I read about Ariane's wedding, I didn't see the name, and I thought, "Wedding? I think I missed the memo!" but it sounds like it will be a great adventure!! And Landon is getting married at the same day and about the same time? Wow, that's an interesting coincidence! It's too bad you won't be back up for Beth and Jerry's wedding, but hopefully, all will go well, wherever you may be at! Say hello to everyone down there for me! Maybe even the Schercks if you get the chance to pass through Gilroy.
And speaking of Gilroy: We're teaching a man named Arnulfo who actually lived in California for some time. He was just talking and said, "Yes, I know San Jose, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Gilroy, Hollister..." and I said, "Wait, Girloy? I spent 15 years of my life growing up there!" Definitely a fun experience!
Wow, the baptism of Margarita went very well!!! At first, it looked like we were going to run into a pretty big problem: Margarita wasn't at home when her ride showed up to pick her up, and she didn't have a cell phone. Plus, she didn't have very much support (if any) from her family, so that didn't help. But 10 minutes before the baptism was supposed to start, we got a call that let us know that she was at home! So we raced over there (obeying all posted traffic signs, of course) with a member, and she came out holding the BIGGEST cake I have ever seen! Fortunately, she had just been running a little late, but all went well. The lateness of the baptism actually helped, because most of the members hadn't arrived at the time it was supposed to start.
But all went well at the baptism. Even though she hasn't had a lot of support from home, Hermana Margarita Diaz was so happy the entire time! Whenever we talked to her, she just said, "I feel so happy!" with the biggest smile I've ever seen on her face. The ward has been very supportive and welcoming, and today we have an appointment to go over and s e e her, to share a message about temples, especially about preparing to go on a temple trip the 24th of this month. It's going to be great!!
All in all, a very good week. The highlight is definitely the baptism of Margarita Diaz. Here's a picture! (attached)
Left to right: Elder Rodriguez, Margarita Diaz, Yo!, Elder Simmons (Elder Rodriguez's last companion).
Also attached: Me eating my first hecho por mano tortilla! My first hand-made, made by me, tortilla! Deliscioso!!
The key system has been going well. And lately, our area just feels like it has so much more potential. I feel like if we are able to apply these trainings in the manner that the Lord wants them applied here, the area will just grow. Lately especially, I've just felt great about involving members of the ward - actually having them become active participants in the lessons instead of really just a ride or so we can enter a house - but I've also realized that I haven't been doing my best to get to know them. I'm anxious to get to know them better and apply these trainings and changes we've received to really push forward the Lord's work. As part of the Year of the Member, we really need to put more focus on the members in our area. Without the members, I doubt (well, nothing is impossible with God, but it definitely wouldn't progress) the work would continue like it does. And it can go even better, too!
So, I have an invitation, and I'm going to write it down to follow up and see how things have gone: Prayerfully identify someone who you can invite to listen to the missionaries, or maybe have a dinner and a short message from the missionaries (they'll love it!). And remember, that inspiration, prayerfully sought, comes from God, and so you can have the confidence that He "has your back" as you go forward and invite someone. By next Tuesday, will you invite someone over for dinner and to hear a message from the missionaries? I know without a shadow of a doubt that there is someone there who is in need of a boost from the Gospel, and that all y'all will be a great blessing to that person as they begin to look more into the Gospel.
Well, it's that time. 2 minutes to go...
I wanted to let you know that I love you all VERY MUCH, and that I'm excited to hear from you and about your experiences (big or small!)
Have a great start of the summer, and I love you...
...a infinidad, y MAS ALLA!!!!!
El Devinator
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