WEEK 41 "Yohhendris: Cuban, 37, loves chocolate ice cream, and is ready for baptism!!"

Elder Bowen, from the seventy, came to speak to us this past week in a zone conference and we learned lots about the Abrahamic covenant, the oath and covenant of the priesthood and the scattering and gathering of the twelve tribes. Elder Bowen for sure changed my outlook on my mission. I am soo grateful I have still have a long time to apply everything I learned. 

This man changed how we do missionary work around here. Now we have to have a goal of at least 30 testifying contacts every day and teaching 30 lessons each week. The sisters in our house are in a car share so when we don't have the car we have one of our members drive us around to our lessons. However, this week we bought a trolley/ bus pass and we have been changing things up this way. We have found lots of amazing people and have seen lots of cool miracles. 

One night we had an appointment with Yohendris (our fav) friend but he lives on the outskirts of our area. We rode the bus and then trekked 5 miles over drawbridges and through lots of stinky Miami street garbage. On our way, we came across an old Cuban man named Luis who was on his porch serenading the neighbors with his guitar. We immediately went over and he loved it so much. He started singing songs about us through his two little teeth. I have never met someone so tender. We taught him about the book of Mormon and we will be going back to teach him some more.

Once we arrived at Yohendris' house we taught him the gospel of Jesus Christ with our ward mission leader. We found Yohendris my first week here in Miami. We found him outside a small supermercado that is next to where Rollie the pit bull lives. I was super super nervous to go up and talk to a big tough guy, drinking a sprite, who could probably bench press 250lbs. He had lots of tattoos up his arm and at the first glance looked like he would not want anything to do with us. However, I took a deep breath and went over to introduce myself... my companion was right next to me but was talking to another man coming out of the store. As I introduced who we were he was very kind and I started to teach him about the Book of Mormon. He kept listening and at the end of a quick lesson of the Book of Mormon he told me he wanted to come to church and learn more. 

Now fast forward four weeks, we have taught him 3 lessons. And I have learned a lot. Yohendris has the most insane stories. His faith is rock solid. He has been through a lot this year but has overcome a lot. Although he looks like the toughest guy on the outside.. he has the most tender heart. He pumps some major iron but eats chocolate ice cream every night and sleeps with a stuffed Tortuga. He also texts us often to see how we are and if we are safe in the Miami crowds. But the best part is that he accepted baptism this Sunday and told us that he is ready to start a new life with Christ at the center. 

I know that it is only through Christ that we were able to see this miracle. I love a quote that Elder Uctodorf said in the last conference, "Regardless of our past we can repent and follow the path that leads to celestial glory and light." Just in the past 4 weeks, I have seen a difference spiritually and physically in Yohendris. His countenance has filled with light and it is through the action of turning away from our old habits and starting again new with Christ. 

I love this Gospel and I know that this is the path that leads to enduring happiness in this life and in the life to come. I love you all so much. Have the best week ever!

Tenga buena semana:) Les quiero mucho. 

-Hermana Richards