I cannot believe that it is already Monday again…. The time has gone by so fast this week.

In my personal study of the Book of Mormon I received some amazing personal revelation. I recognized that I need to be a lot more humble… that a lot of the trials that are passing right now are partially thanks to my pride. We work our hardest every day and we can feel the spirit but I feel that we are kinda “wandering in the wilderness” a little bit. I was studying the story of Nefi and his family and I recognized a pattern. Moses never entered the Promised Land, and because of the pride of the Israelites, they waited 40 years in the wilderness. Nephi and his family waited 8 years before they crossed the sea and entered the Promised Land and during this time were tried, and humbled through a lot of experiences. The Jaredites also waited many years before they could cross the ocean and come to the Promised Land. Joseph Smith never saw the Salt Lake Valley. Jesus Christ did not baptize a single person in his 3 year mission (Juan 4:1-2).  But this time, I have recognized is just the Lord, humbling and refining me all with the purpose that I can one day enter into the “promised land.” We might go months or years without seeing the fruits of our labors, but I am coming to see that our “fruits” come through the success of others.

So whenever you feel like you are wandering, recognize that the Lord is preparing and refining you into the person that he wants you to be.

1 Nephi 17:13 And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the Promised Land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.

It was a week filled with so many tender mercies… I love my Savior so much.

On a funny side note, we went to visit a sister and her slightly alcoholic nephew was there… we invited them to be baptized. She said no, because she was catholic. He waited a moment, and then said, “I was baptized in the Evangelical church.” This little lady looked like she had drunk lemon juice and been slapped in the face. “YOU TOLD ME YOU WERE CATHOLIC!” She said… He just shook his head and laughed… I had nothing to do but join along…  It was so funny! I love the people here…

Thank you so much for all of you love and all of your support.

I love you all! Keep the faith!

Hurrah for Israel!

Love, Hermana Hipol