I just want to say to thank you to the best family. This week has been really hard with the things I have seen-- broken hearts and broken homes. I feel ever so blessed for our gospel centered home that I love and have. The spirit was there and everyone spoke with love. It truly is a blessing and something I yearn for here. Thank you for being the best parents. I know we aren't a perfect family, but the Lord truly has blessed us! LOVE YOU! This week was a little difficult but at the same time we were so blessed. I decided to write down little tender mercies that I saw each day. I feel so blessed and grateful for the Lords hand in our work.
Our 16 year old investigator Maria said her first prayer out loud. So humble and thanked the Lord several times for sending her "these wonderful sisters to show me the path".
We went and saw Marilu and brought Hermana Cazares with us. She bore a powerful testimony of the divinity of our calling as missionaries. The Spirit filled the room as she told Marilu that we were directly sent from God to help her. Wow.
We read the Book of Mormon with Ashley (Timalach) and her friend was over. She read out loud to her and tried to explain what we were reading. Cutest thing ever. Kevin (Timalach, 7) now says a lot of the family prayers. The other night he said, "Que la Hermana Thomas puede comer las cosas que yo puedo". haha, so sweet.
Introducing the Book of Mormon to our investigator Alma. As she started to read a few lines, she looked up and said, "Wow. This is BEAUTIFUL". One of my favorite moments ever.
We have really been trying to talk with EVERYONE. Elder Ballard invited our mission to really go out of our way and contact at least 20 extra people a day.
Thursday, Hermana Pitcher and I did our absolute best to talk with everyone and it was the best day ever! We had soo much fun, met so many people, and got some great referrals for other missionaries as well! We even did speed walking across the street, but don't worry, we did everything in a dignified manner :) haha. So we met this lady Juanita. We went back on Thursday and she said she was busy doing chores but that we could talk with her daughter. We went in and taught her, her mother, her daughter and her niece! The spirit was so strong and they want to learn more! They said they are catholic, but it never hurts to learn more about God and visit other churches :) They are GOLDEN!
We had been visiting la familia Rivas ever since I got to Lodi (so almost 5 months). They are less active. We really tried hard to get them to come back but they just haven't had the desire. Always believe, never give up on anyone. On Sunday in walks Hermano Rivas and his son to sacrament meeting! Such a miracle and blessing. He also brought with him his friend from work, who we happened to contact during the week and randomly invited her to church!! The Lord works in mysterious ways but everything has a purpose!! It was so great to see the fruit of our labors from trying to talk to everyone!
I was also able to do exchanges here in Lodi with Hermana Crane. I love her so so much. I learned so much and we had an incredible day! We had so many great lessons. I also stayed in Lodi another day and Hermana Kennard came with me! We had a great day as well and had fun at English classes! (the details from exchanges are all from the miracles above).
Magda is still progressing... she is going through some hard things right now so we are hoping she will turn to the Lord even more. Please keep her in your prayers to overcome her challenges, and desire to be baptized. Love you all so much. Thank you for your love, support, examples, prayers and fasts. It means the world to me.
Con Amor,
Hermana Thomas
Exchanges with Hermana Sierra
Exchanges with Hermana Skidmore
Exchanges with Hermana Kennard
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