Called to Madrid South

We had a great week and saw lots of successes! This week we talked to a friend that was worried about his past sins. He felt that God had abandoned him and it was a lost cause. We shared lots of scriptural examples and stories of real people that also believed that, but came to the understanding of the eternal gift of repentance. We met with him a few times this last week and he has completely changed in his demeanor. He now has a baptismal date and is progressing with a new and more positive outlook. We are continuing with Cesar and he will be getting baptized on the 11th of October! He has been such a long time coming, but it only makes it better when they finally can make that step. This last week here in Jerez I had an exchange with Elder Koistinen from Finland! We were companions some time ago and it was a lot of fun to be with him again.  I came across a quote this week that said: " The deepest human craving is recognition " (William James) It just struck me as so true ...

It was a fairly boring week but here are some updates: - A good exchange with Elder Miller. It is his first transfer in Spain and is super fun. We had a few lessons with friends I had taught in Jerez a few months ago.  - I made a homemade tortilla patata that turned out surprisingly well! It has potatoes, eggs, chorizo and some seasonings.  - Today on P-Day we went to a property out in the country of a member. He has lots of animals and we had a BBQ with other missionaries from the district - Continuing to teach our friend Cesar. He needs patience, but would be an extremely important baptism in this branch.  - I've been enjoying listening to BYU talks from Presidente Holland in the mornings. Speaking of which, I loved this quote from his speech: " As you wage such personal wars, obviously part of the strength to “hang in there” comes from some glimpse, however faint and fleeting, of what the victory can be. It is as true now as when Solomon said it that “where there is no...

Sorry about the blank fire this morning, but I do appreciate those letting me know. I'm sure some will read the same of the morning email as they will this one, but that's OK   About a week ago we had a lady write us asking for someone to stay with her and give her company. I could tell she wasn't fully there and we told her we probably couldn't help her out, but we'd see what we could do. Later this week we found a guy who said he had a job, but just needed a place to stay. I'm not sure if you see where this is going, but we sent them each other's numbers and wished for the best. The next day, they're both texting us, super angry, and telling us they're gonna call the police because the other one is crazy. I believed them both This week we went with a member to his property out in the country with goats and chickens and lots of melons. We now have about 20 melons to eat!  There is a wonderful American family that lives in our area and they are lifes...

This week has been a bit of a mess with lots of travels and conferences, but all good things! This last Monday night we headed up to Madrid for a conference and we spoke a lot about having a vision and how we come to not only complete, but live and love our dreams. We watched "Boys in the Boat" as well and spoke about becoming one as missionaries!  After a quick stint in Sanlúcar on Friday we had a Zone Conference in Jerez. We spoke about the account in Mark of the leprous man being brought to Jesus. How much joy must his friends have felt knowing that they played a part in his healing. Who in our lives might need this healing and how can we bring them to the One who can do it?  This last Saturday we had the opportunity to teach The Gospel of Jesus Christ to a friend named Cesar. He has seen and done things that may make one think they are not worthy of forgiveness or peace. The message of Jesus Christ is that you are worthy, and invited in fact, to come to Him through baptis...