6-23-14

Hola Familia

It has been a great week up here in Chelan/Manson, and I can't think of any better place to be... (ok i might not have thought that when i saw someone on the lake getting ready to wakeboard this morning. i will be honest) But it really has been a good week.

I have been so exhausted i don't think i know what way is up anymore! But it has all been for a good cause. We had exchanges one day this week and Hermana Rockhill is a little fireball! We were constantly moving and having so much fun teaching and trying to help people.

We have had some really amazing experiences this week that i keep reflecting on. 1. Andrade Family: As we sat to teach them, he liked to talk, but when we finally got the Restoration dvd in, they sat, listened , and felt the Spirit. It was followed by an amazing testimony of a member. The mood of the whole lesson changed when we got the Spirit there. We listened with love and if he would have taken a second he would have realized that EVERY question he had would have been answered if he had just listened. But It all went according how it did to lead up to the point that our member could bear testimony. And she did and it was so strong it was unbelievable! Later that week we invited them to get baptized and they said they would. they want to learn way more, but that desire is there!

2. Parra Family: Also invited them to get baptized and they expressed some concerns that we weren't aware of. They have felt the Spirit and recognize it, but are still connecting the dots. They are so awesome and even though they face adversity, they know it is a good thing. Kind of Crazy week for them. Alondra (the 14 yr old daughter) went to girls camp... And LOVED it! But long story short, camp ended a day early because there was a flu outbreak in Wenatchee and it came and spread through camp. Luckily Alondra came home fine... until we got a text from Claudia Sunday saying they weren't coming to church because 3 of her 5 kids had the flu. Crazy how much good and bad can happen at the same time!

3.The love that President Ware has for us. Thursday was just one of those days. we had to drive to Wenatchee(about 50 mins) to a meeting with President and Sister Ware. well about 3 miles out of Chelan, her car broke down... not to be revived. She takes out her phone. no cell service. Elders, no service. We take ours out and says battery dead turning off... We had just charged it so we took the back off. water everywhere! (Where did it come from? we have NO idea!) Happy ending to the story missionaries were sent to rescue us, meeting started about and hour late but we got there, and interviews were great! and after a day we were able to save our phone! Plus interviews really showed me how much i had come to love being a missionary and how much i have learned. President asked us what helps us stay connected to our purpose. My answer was my scriptures. and many other things but really those because it is through those that i gained a personal love and understanding for Jesus Christ.

4. Watching a less active member battle back to get a current temple recommend. She is quite possible one of the people closet to my heart. we read scripture together the other day and we watched her apply it and find strength.

5. Standing outside the door of a man who tried to destroy our faith. He began telling us we should do our research on what we really believe. I hope these people realize that when they say all these things, it just solidifies what i believe. As i knocked on his door and tried to have a friendly conversation and asked if he believed in Christ.. He then went on with all of these things on how my church couldn't possibly be true (citing the internet...) and how we weren't even really Christians... UM HELLO DUDE, i wear Jesus Christ name on my shirt everyday and promote people to find their faith even if they don't share my belief! (insert my dad sigh here.) people.

I have been reading in the Conference Ensign, and i am loving every second of it. I can't pick favorites.. But i really like what Elder Anderson said, "Build more firmly your foundation upon the rock of your Redeemer. Treasure more completely His incomparable life and teachings. Follow more diligently His example and his commandments. Embrace more deeply His love, His mercy and grace, and the powerful gifts of His atonement."

Love you all have a great week!!

Hermana Ray

My comp and i made a candy bar poster for President Ware's birthday... he loved it! the starburst fel off... luckily elder Rosero picked it up.