Well this week actually seemed to go by pretty quickily! What I've learned this past week is that whenever I need help and pray, God always gives a miracle.
One miracle I had this week was on Tuesday. I was just not feeling it and wanted to go home. I prayed to help me know I am where I should be. We went to Colonial Santa Barbara (no not California) where we spend most of our time. Then in the street, one after another we ran into members who were so nice to me. Even though I don't understand what they are saying...haha.
On the 4th of July, I was really homesick because the 4th is one of my favorite holidays, and here we almost forgot completely it was the 4th! The most we did was wear patriotic ties. The day wasn't successful at all. Then we had this amazing lesson with this lady we found named Ruth. She is the best! She calls us her hijos (sons) and is golden. She was worried about her family not accepting that she wants more out of religion and wants to change. (She is Catholic, like most people here, but has many doubts). At the end of the lesson I invited her to be baptized. It was so cool! She is preparing for the 27th of July to be baptized. She also came to church for the first time this past Sunday even though she wasn't feeling well.
On Saturday after having another unsuccessful day because all of our citas (appt.) fell through, we went to meet this family. They weren't answering their door. You have to yell ¨buenos dias¨ sometimes to get people to come. We were super frustrated and said a prayer. We yelled one more time and right on cue they were home. They also came to church and are great.
I also had the opportunity to baptize the an investigator taught by some hermanas in a different area! It was such a cool experience and I was so happy for Juan, the person baptized.
Another miracle! Here we are about to start writing emails in this internet cafe and these two people next to us are from Virginia but hispanic -- an 18 year old boy and his mom. They have lived here for 5 years. The boy said he wants to practice his Spanish more and he is about to go back with his dad to Virginia. He also said he wants to hear more about the church! We are going tomorrow to his place and teach him in english! That'll be weird!
Some other stories. We are still working with this one investigator who has a bunch of addictions, but he really wants to get baptized. He'll need to overcome those but hopefully he'll follow through.
On tuesday night I found out the next day we would be doing companionship interchanges for the next day. I was so worried because I would have to get another companion for a day and be in charge of the area. Luckily I made it through but I had to carry a map around with me everywhere because I still don't know all the streets very well and they all look the same. Haha
Today while eating our meal, I looked down and there was soup with potatoes and chicken. Of course I got the head. The eyes were staring at me. That was uncomfortable...but the food is really good here. I have started loving tortillas with everything. Haha. You also make a taco with what you have. Today we went to Walmart (yes there is a Walmart in our area!) and got another blanket and real food! I am excited :)
My Spanish is sort of coming. I understand what my companion says, but I am still struggling to understand the natives. Some speak so fast! I love when they want me to talk in english because then I don't feel as stupid. :-p
Your 4th of July sounds so much fun! Happy birthday to Aaron and Dad this week! I am thinking about you! I love you all so much! You are literally the best family!
Love,
Elder Thomas
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