Hola Familia,
I had a wonderful week that ended wonderfully!!! The week was pretty stressful because we put on a ward activity to get the members more involved in missionary work and we spent a lot of time planning and carrying it out. We passed out 300 flyers and talked with a lot members exciting them to invite people. Sadly the day of the activity was a huge thunderstorm with thunder that shook everything as if atomic bombs were falling and there was absolutely nobody in the streets. However, all of our progressing investigators and recent converts came and we had a blast teaching them the plan of salvation. We had three different rooms to talk about "where did we come from?", "why are we here?", and "where are we going after this life?". When we finished all of our progressing investigators were super excited to be baptized and the ones that were hesitant realized that it is something absolutely necessary!! It turned out a lot different than we planned when not very many showed up but man am I thankful for the fruits that did come!
So we had an amazing baptismal service for a complete family of four that were so happy to make this decision as a family. I love helping people make the correct decisions but it is especially wonderful when it is a family with father, mother, and all the kids that want to make this wonderful choice together. They already make a great addition to the ward and the ward is especially happy to receive them! I attached a photo that you can see them! We ate dinner with them after church and they are so peaceful and happy. Missionary work never gets old and won't! :) I am looking forward to helping them prepare for a temple marriage about a year from now we hope to go with them in this special moment!
Right now we have a wayward son of Lourdes on date for this coming Sunday. What a special experience it has been teaching him. His family had to kick him out on the street because he would come home drunk yelling and hitting people. They are had a super hard time having to do this but they have told him that they aren't going to let him in when he is in this state. We decided that we would give it a shot trying to help him out but the two times we found him in the street he was SUPER drunk crying and pleading for help. However, one day I felt we should stop by an investigator who ended up not being home but in the way there we found him at a taco stand. We talked to him for a bit and invited him to come to church the next Sunday. To our utter surprise he came and also LOVED it. He then didn't drink for the next whole week and came to church a second time. After the services he came up to me and said, "Janis, I want to be baptized. When can I be baptized?" Oh I could barely keep in my excitement and told him we would come by later in the night and we could put everything in order for a baptism. The lesson went great and he is probably one of the most happiest people I have ever taught and the most excited to be baptized.
I am so thankful for the impressions of the Spirit that lead and guide us everyday in finding the people that are prepared for the Gospel. I love the mission and especially love the moments when it hits me and I think "wow I'm here and I am actually a missionary!" I love reading my name tag and treasure putting it on every morning! I love you all and hope you have a great week!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Janis
