Hola Familia,
I learned two powerful lessons this last week that I will never forget! The first lesson I learned is that obedience and diligence really do pay off. I was preparing for my district meeting and planning what I would talk to my district about. Having just started a new change, I talked to them about how we need to have the basics (obedience and diligence) if we are going to reach the success that the Lord has planned for us. I felt confident that I could promise them miracles if we as a district focused on carrying out the basics of missionary work. This last week was absolutely amazing. We as a district baptized 8 people and have about 9 people with baptismal dates for the coming week! Every baptism that we have in missionary work is a miracle and this last week was no different. Elder Mendez and I baptized Daniel who will get married this coming week! My district right now is super upbeat and excited to work with a goal of 37 baptisms for the change!! I am praying and searching the scriptures for how to help them retain their excitement and continue to work with faith, obedience, and diligence to obtain our goals. I super excited to see how the coming week goes.
The second lesson I learned this last week was that I have got to worry A LOT less. I got sick this last week and when the mission doctor checked me he told me, "Elder, you are completely healthy but have got to learn how to worry less." I was worried that I was sick because I had something super serious but there wasn't because I had literally "worried myself sick." I have been praying to know what I could do and when the moments of stress come (which in the mission they always do) I have been learning ways to overcome the worry. I read a super awesome quote from Elder Wirthlin that is "Next time you are tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable." I am going to let come what comes but will learn how to laugh about it and enjoy it. My new companion is such a great example of this and I am enjoying the chance to learn this from him. Elder Mendez is hilarious and when we come on a difficult situation he always cracks a couple of jokes and we both end up laughing. Oh, and don't worry I am completely fine and recovered and am so happy to apply the lessons that I learned from the experience.
So this next week Elder Mendez and I have a family and two individuals with baptismal dates and we are going to do everything so that the Lord can work the miracle. I love you all tons and hope that you all have a wonderful week!!!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Janis
