NOVEMBER 21, 2016 

THANKFUL FOR FLORIDA!

Hola Familia! 

This week has been quite the week! I really felt like my Spanish improved A LOT. Although, I did realize that Cubans seriously speak another language. It’s so hard to understand them! So, for now, I’m just going to continue to talk to my Hondurans, I love them. 

I actually got pretty sick this week. I think my body is just getting used to all this Latin Food and the stress of a mission. I had to stay in for two days but I’m ready to hit the ground running today after Pday is over! I hate just sitting around. Oh! I got a haircut today by a lady in my ward. I was a little scared and it’s a little short but all is well!!! ha-ha She was just the sweetest women, so I am so thankful for her! My companion turned twenty yesterday and everyone LOVES her so she had a surprise little party during gospel principles yesterday! Sister Leslie is amazing so we celebrated pretty hard ha-ha (and still went to bed at 10:30) ha-ha 

We had an amazing ward "Dia de Accion de Gracias" party. Since Latins love to party, a lot of people brought their nonmember friends and it was awesome! They asked us missionaries to act out the story of Thanksgiving. It was hilarious! Everyone was recording it and thought it was so funny. I just love the Latin people they really know how to have a good time! 

Our investigators are progressing really well! Actually, ONE OF THEM IS ALREADY A MEMBER! Gabby (The Mother, who was the most hesitant about getting baptized) is a member! We brought our ward executive secretary to our lesson last week she was talking about how her family might be members and everything and then he looked her up. It was so cool! Now she’s just so excited for Jimmy and her son Manuel to get Baptized. They are so solid. Seriously everything is working against them right now and they are just pushing through so hard! Their testimony of the gospel is amazing! Jimmy is the absolute "head" of his household and takes that calling so seriously. He’s amazing! They are getting baptized this Saturday and the whole ward is just so excited for them! 

Knocking is hilarious. You never know who you’re going to get, especially in the more ghetto places of our area. It’s so fun (sometimes). We have seen everything from devil worshipers to really old men in robes to small atheist children booing and spitting on us. It’s so crazy. We try not to knock after dark though. ha-ha. I have met so many amazing people that have such incredible stories. 

This is such an amazing experience and I am so THANKFUL for these people and this opportunity. Some days are harder than others but everyday has just been an opportunity to get closer to my Savior. I love this work. 

I just want to leave you with a scripture in Alma 34:38 "That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."

I am so thankful for all the wonderful people that the Lord has put in my life and the opportunity that I have to share this gospel with all those that I meet every day. Try to take a moment to recognize all that you have been given and give all thanks back to the Lord. I know I have been given more than I could ever repay to the Lord. I love you all and am thankful for you! I pray for you every day! Have a great week!!!