WEEK 19 "We Are Too Green For This"

Well this week was quite the week of change and growth for two greenies over here. I said goodbye to my bombshell trainer and got one of the best missionaries in the mission in return. my companion. Sister Jensen has only been out 2 months longer than I have.. and lets just say our spanish has a lot of room for improvement. We are loving every second we get to speak but sometimes its a little tricky when we come across someone who speaks a million miles an hour in the most slurred acent ever. Lets just say that we have gotten really good at faking we know what their saying and praying really hard our response will correspond with what they just said. But all in all I am so grateful for the loving Latin people. They are so patient with me.  

I was reminded over and over and over again this week that "As to my strength I am weak, therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast in my God, for in his strength I can do all things." -Alma 26:12 

One night we found a super kind man from the DR. He happened to be a chef and we are eating with him this Thursday. This will be really interesting because he speaks faster than anyone I have ever met. We are really excited to eat his delicious san cocho and see the gifts of tongues come into play. HE is so kind and is excited to hear our message about Christ. I will let you know how it goes:)

Another miracle this week was running into Tim. Tim is originally from Tennessee and took the time out of his day to talk to us for an hour and a half on his front porch. He has the biggest heart and is so humble. He had sooooo many good questions about the creation, judgmenet, restoration and everything in between. We gave him a book of Mormon and he was super excited to find all the answers in this book. I loved seeing his face light up with excitement as he asked a question and we turned to the book of mormon for the answers. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon which is the most powerful tool we have to understand our purpose and potential as children of God. 

Last but not least, Leonardo is still progressing and his baptism is this Saturday. He wants me to play my violin at the service and also give a talk on baptism. This should be exciting! Leonardo has such a pure heart and God has been preparing him his whole life to receive our message. He has never joined any religion but has always been looking for the truth. Yesterday after we taught him we ended with a prayer and in his prayer he mentioned his deep desire to change and enter into the waters of baptism. At this moment the spirit was so strong. Hes excited to join our church family and bear one anothers burdens. He has the biggest heart full of the deepest love for everyone. But most of all He understands the importance of following the Saviors example. My heart is touched each time I get to teach him. I know that before we came to earth in the pre-mortal world I knew Leonardo and I chose to be His missionary. There has been several times that I have been teaching him and overcome with the spirit testifying to me that we have been friends for longer than I can imagine and will be friends for the rest of eternity. I love this work and the joy that I feel as we serve others, pray for others on their porch, testify of the book of Mormon, and see hearts change. 

One of my favs is found in alma 5:14 "Have ye spiritually been born of God? have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your heart?"

This is what I have seen happen to Leonardo. I am grateful that I have been able to watch his whole journey unfold and see first hand his conversion to the Lord. A change of heart is the only thing that the Lord requires of us. It is by repenting and bettering ourselves each day that we can see this change of heart in ourselves. I love this gospel and that we have the chance to try a little harder to be a little better each day.

 And for this I am forever grateful and indebted to my Savior for. 

Love you all sooo much!!!! Sending all my love and prayers your way. 

Mucho Amor!

-Hermana Richards