Hola!

Well this week was filled with so many tender mercies. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows me and never ceases to bless me. This week there was no miraculous increase in numbers, not a lot of super positive new investigators, and a lot of room for improvement, but there were so many tender mercies from the Lord. As we sought the spirit, we were guided to people who needed us, be it members or nonmembers. Too see that the Lord led us to those who needed us brought a lot of comfort and peace, knowing that despite the difficulty we are doing our Fathers work.

When it gets a little rough we take a break, say a prayer, give thanks for our many blessings and keep working. I just love being a missionary!

The perfect cure was the Conference yesterday. We had a surprise visit from Elder Steven Snow in the first quorum of the seventy. He is the Church Historian and Recorder, and he came with his assistant, Brother Turley and Elder Alonso from the Area Seventy.  It is the first time that the church historian has come to El Salvador, and it was the coolest conference ever! They came to ask about the missionary work here and to share a little with us. They talked about being pioneers and how our work is fulfilling prophecy. I was reminded of my own pioneer heritage, and that despite all the trials, they held firm to their testimonies and were able to accomplish great things. I also was reminded that in being the first missionary, I am also a pioneer and the great responsibility to work hard.

They counseled us to work hard, to be obedient and to keep a journal, keeping careful of what we are learning and how we are changing. Sister Snow shared a powerful testimony of how the mission is preparing us for so much more afterwards in life, and how we need to live it to the fullest and work our hardest while the Lord has given us this time. Then, they whipped out their tablet and pencils and paper and got to know us. They asked for stories from convert missionaries, a multi-generational missionary, and an elder and sister who have more than a year in the mission. When he asked for missionaries with a lot of time, Elder Snow called on me! He asked me how I have changed in my mission, and I was left speechless. Wow, I am not even close to the person who stepped on a plane 15 months ago. I have come to know so much more about the gospel and come so much closer to my Heavenly Father. As I have been able to serve others I have come to learn so much about the Plan our Heavenly Father has, and that it is perfect. I have come to better understand and apply the atonement in my own live, as I have come to help my brothers and sisters apply it in their own life.

I was reminded of a Shakespeare quote they used in this last general conference “Twas I but tis not I. I do not shame what I was, since my conversion so sweetly tastes being the thing I am.” My mission has made me a new person. I am not who I was yesterday, and I am trying my hardest today to make myself better tomorrow.  I am so grateful that the atonement makes us into new people and I am excited to work this new change.

That’s right, a new change, and my second to last agenda! I am not baggy or trunky, but things are getting real here. I cannot believe how fast time is passing!! I just want to work, work, work, and I am so excited to see what lies in store these next six weeks!

I love you all! Hoorah for Israel!!