9-23-13

This week has been a pretty good one. The storm that we had last week was a lot bigger than we originally knew. I guess during the seahawks game on tv that night there was a tornado warning watch and we found that out like  or 4 days later... But there wasn't an actual tornado so that is good. the accompanying town had winds up to like 80-90 miles an hour.
This week was pretty good! Can't complain when i get to have so many spiritual experiences and help people grow faith in Christ.
I have been reading in the Book of Mormon (surprising right?) and I finally got to the point where Christ has come to the Americas!! So excited, i will soon get to read about Christ's teachings in the Book of Mormon that testifies of what he taught in the bible. I love looking up cross references that take you to verses that are almost word for word in the bible and the Book of Mormon. I have especially been focusing on the blessing of having the ability to understanding what i am reading. I have run into many people who can't read here or people whose reading skills are very minimal, and although i can't say reading is my favorite thing, i am say that i am grateful for my ability to read an now can see it as a great blessing. Something i think i definitely took for granted up to this point in my life. But slowly by slowly i am learning from the Book of Mormon.

Also cool experience form the Book of Mormon. Today was when Christ came to the Americas. When he came there was a voice that came and it came 3 times before the people understood it, but it wasn't the voice that changed. Every time, the voice was the same, it was loud or thundering, but it says the third time the people did open their ears to hear it. So, the Lord and Heavenly Father are always willing to answer, sometimes we just need to be willing to listen and "opening our ears" to be able to receive the answer.

We have had some really cool experiences here. During Harvest we do a lot of acting on faith because honestly it is hard to have set appointments because work schedules are totally dependent on the crops and the weather. The Lord is on our side and leads us along. The people here are super humble. Especially a lot of the field workers. I look at many of the people here and see their humble circumstances and am grateful for my parents who provide for me and encourage me to go to school and chase my dreams. Yet i have also been taught to work hard. Which is good, because the missionary work here is a never ending adventure.

We had a really cool experience this week with a church tour this week. We met Elario when his firend Eleno brought him to a lesson. He had many questions and opinions and we had a great discussion. We invited him to come see the church and come to the English classes there. He agreed and although we didn't actually get into the church, we had a great discussion with him. Our branch President told him about the Book of Mormon while we went to go grab some things and even though we were outside being eaten alive by mosquitoes (seriously my legs look like i have chicken pox.) we had a great spiritual experience. He said that since the last time we visited with him, about a week, he had had 4 dreams about our church and he figures that means something. He is excited to learn more and is super awesome. he even said if we ever needed help cleaning the church or is our car broke down and we needed help to give him a call.

Life is full of these little miracles if we are looking for them. i know that to be true. Thanks to all who send their love and support. it all helps. I love the Gospel, i Love our Savior and i Love all of you!! Have a great week!

Con Amor,

Hermana Ray