Familia!
We have a few great new investigators and we´re seeing a lot of progress with our less actives. Last week we went to visit a less active named Americo (Americo don´t you cry... we always sing that song when we talk about him). He wasn´t there, but his wife was and we ended up talking with her for almost 2 hours!! Ah. She told us EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING. She is a very patient woman, wow. She told us they are not living together because she had to get a restraining order on him because he was addicted to alcohol and had relationships with other women and gave her so much stress it was effecting her health. She really told us everything. More than we needed to hear. But more than just the crazy stories, it was amazing to see how much he has changed in the past 2 months or so. He goes to church every week (with or without his family), he loves our visits and always is looking the the topical guide in the Book of Mormon to read more about what we are teaching, he is more connected to his family, he is open to talk to the bishop.... changes that probably 4 months ago, you would have never imagined. How is that possible? What have we done? nothing. It is all because of the miracle of the atonement. He is changing his heart and learning more about the happiness that can be found, the true happiness, when we are following the commandments. His son told us last week that he came to their house with a big van and said, "Hey we´re going on a trip. We´re a family, let´s go!" Just to hear that gave me goosebumps. He is changing in ways that only the Atonement of Jesus Christ can make possible.
My companion is doing great! I´m learning lots from her and her excitement for the work! She keeps me going and keeps me focused! We had interchanges with the sister leaders last week for a day. AH so good. I was with hermana TamarÃz. She is such a great person. She told me to remember the phrase, "Hakunamatata" from Lion King... "it means no worries, for the rest of your days..." It was helpful to have her to work with, to learn from, and especially to remember that the mission is to be enjoyed, not endured.
Easter was great! Although we didn´t have an easter egg hunt, paint easter eggs or recieve a visit from the easter bunny in the morning, it was an amazing time to reflect on the Savior´s life. When we think about the Savior´s life and all that he has done for us so that we can repent, be happy, and one day be resurrected, I don´t feel anything but joy and hope. I am learning more about him everyday of my mission. Most importantly, I am realizing the need that each one of have for the atonement. I love the scripture that says, "For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I." Burns a little, but I can only testify of the truth of this scripture. When we are repenting daily of our sins, we will not suffer as he did. It is all up to us though. We hold the keys to repentance, and if would but only use them, we would find the true happiness and hope the atonement brings to our lives. "Having already offered the Atonement in our behalf, Christ has done His part to make that longing to live with Him again one day a reality. The rest will depend entirely upon ourselves." (Elder Holland) Just want to bear my testimony to you that I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that he lives! I know that it is only through and by him that we can truly be happy. I have seen it countless times in my mission and have experienced it myself. For the rest of my life, I will continue to be amazed by the power of the Atonement.
I love you all and think and pray about you everyday! You are all more and more beautiful with every picture! Not fair! Thank you for your support always and prayers!
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Nelson
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