"Hoy ha sido uno de los mejores días en mi vida" 🥺🥺

This Saturday we had our second English class in the church. Many times missionaries will teach English classes to serve and to have people in the church in a more comfortable environment. It went really well and we had around 10 people, some members and some friends. It was my turn to teach this week and I'm not sure if anyone learned anything, but it sure was a lot of fun! 

This Sunday we had the baptism of Angel! It went excellent and he was really excited to take that step. After the baptism he texted us and told us it had been one of the best days of his life. I'm so grateful to have been able to see his growth and to continue to, I hope, the temple and to serve a mission. 

Yesterday we had Zone Conference here in Málaga. They spoke to us about integrity being the alignment between our actions and our words. That means being true to our promises, but also practicing those standards that we set for others. We also invited a member from the ward named Gabriela to come with us to the Zone Conference. She had been thinking about starting her mission papers, but also had been hesitant with some difficulties that might impede that process. In the conference, we continued talking about how we can find those people that end up getting baptized. One Elder asked, how can we better our relationships with members and gain their trust to be able to teach their friends? President responded, calling Gabriela to the front of the room, and asked her to sit down. He then proceeded to ask a series of inspired questions. Tell me about your family, where are they living? How long have you been here in Spain, what are your dreams, what are your fears? Although writing this may not convey the spirit of this moment, the way he asked his questions with such anticipation and attention was remarkable. He then proceeded to offer a beautiful prayer, blessing her family and her future. When he finished, all had tears in their eyes. He then asked if she might have someone that would be willing to hear the gospel and she began to write a few names. We will be the lucky ones to reach out to those friends. After the conference Gabriela didn't stop talking about how much she liked the conference. Last night, she had an interview with the Bishop and began the process of filling out her papers. 

More than anything I was very impressed by the spiritual sensitivity of President Obando. Simply asking the correct questions, with the correct and needed attention and love can bless someone immensely. May each of us strive to be more sensitive, earnest and loving. May we ask questions with real intent and then seek to bless them with the knowledge we have gained.

Elder Dougall