This week was AWESOME!!! Being a missionary is so fun.

Matching bags with Hermana Young

We had cambios this past week but both my companion and I stayed which is what we were hoping for :) One of the companionships of the Elders in our ward got transferred which was sad because we were all really good friends but our new district leader is really determined and helping us set some new goals. We are really excited about this transfer and ready to work hard. We have been trying hard to be more consecrated servants of the Lord and exercise more faith so we can have more success in helping others come unto Christ and feel of the joy that comes through living the gospel.

Today at the Perez's house

Making crepes and smoothies at the Perez's house today

Lichee - chinese fruit

Last week we had found lots of new investigators but felt like lots of them weren't really interested in making commitments and progressing in the gospel. They just like us to come and talk about Christ and give us food and flowers. Which is great and all...we feel so loved and spoiled here but we really wanted to spend all of our time fulfilling our purpose which is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. In order to do this, most people have to be willing and ready to change. We prayed hard to know which people are prepared and who we should focus on. In return felt like the Lord really answered our prayers and led us to the people who are ready to accept this message. We found more people who are keeping commitments and preparing for baptism. 

Saturday night we went to the Visitors Center with Lilia. Its always an incredible experience there. It is gorgeous and the Spirit is always so strong. She loved it and is excited to be baptized so she can do the temple work for her mother. It was raining hard that night too. We have to be back in our house by 9 and we have never been late. Usually running back and opening the door with 20 seconds to spare but never late. Waiting for a camino to get home was taking a while tho and we were really worried we wouldn't make it in time. We prayed hard that we wouldn't be late because well sometimes the city is sketchy.. but we know if we are obedient we will be protected. We got off the camino and ran past the guards to our little neighborhood, past the guy with the tamale cart yelling ¨tamalleeeeeeeeeeeessss!!!!¨ And opened the door at 9:00 exactly. We felt like we had just gotten out of the shower we were so wet but it was a fun adventure. We took the tamale guy up on his offer and got a couple. They were way good!

Things with our investigator Romina turned around dramatically. We have been teaching her almost daily since I got here. She kinda has a crazy story and has been involved in some interesting things so I haven't mentioned her much but I will tell you more when we skype on Sunday :) But it was a miracle this week!! She bore her testimony at church yesterday!!!! I wish I could describe how it felt as she shared how she now believes that God exists and He hears and answers her prayers. I was up on the stand with her waiting to share and my comp in the congregation with another investigator and we both just looked at each other and smiled filled with so much joy! After church there was a baptism for a girl the old Elders had been teaching. Romina stayed and sat front row. Almost the whole ward stayed too. Yep. 3 hours of church then an hour for a baptism.. on a fast Sunday... there are some strong members here :) We love our ward and have been receiving lots of support from them. Our old Elders came for the baptism with their new companions so there were 10 missionaries there total and we all sung Josephs Smith's First Prayer to the tune of Come Thou Fount. Romina had really been struggling to gain a testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith but she said that this really helped her and she is finally open to praying about it. Her faith is so strong and I know she will receive an answer soon :)

Well I'm about out of time but everything is going good here. Missionary life is hard but SO rewarding. And I love the city! I know that this is the Lord's work and have seen His hand in it several times. I know that if we keep working hard and being obedient, we are going to receive all the Lord's promises. His promises are sure. Better go but I'm WAY excited to skype with you and Miranda on Sunday!! Happy early Mother's day!!! I love you Mom and am SO grateful for all you have done for me.

Con mucho amor,

Hermana Rhoten 2