11.25.2013

This week we got a new companion and last minute the zone leaders call us right before we pick up our new companion saying that we have to give up the car to new sisters that will be in our district. So we had to completely change our plans and take the bus. Which wasn't too bad but it goes every hour and it stops running at six. So one day we were riding to the main bus station and we hear that the bus we are suppose to get on next to take us home is delayed because a man came at the bus driver with a box cutter. So we had to start walking haha. We were down town which is not the safest part of town really and we were walking and it was dark and the closest person to us was a member who worked at post. So we walked over there and called her and it was scary haha and she came out of her work and chewed us out because we are not suppose to be there at night. But the Lord did protect us. So we get our car back this week.

However, we had a cool experience with one of our investigators. We watched the long version of the Restoration and she started crying because she felt a very strong connection to Joseph Smith and didn't know that there was such a kind loving man in the world. Then we walk outside and she is holding a cup of cold coffee in her hand and is saying how much she loves cold coffee but then she dumps it out on the lawn. So that was awesome!

There was also a funeral this week but it was one of the most up beat positive funerals I have ever been to. The brother whose mom died served his mission in mexico and sang in the mormon tabernacle choir. but he always speaks to me in spanish haha and he wanted me to meet his sons where one served in Brazil and the other in Argentina. His mom who passed away served 5 missions!! Wow!

Anyways, it really has been getting cold but my comp is letting me wear her coat and boots for now.
We also had stake conference this week and we were allowed to go to the Saturday session for adults and our mission President was there and spoke. The whole thing was about missionary work and at the end they made all the full time missionaries stand up. It really was an awesome stake conference all about missionary work.

What was funny was the other day we were at a members house and the wife came out and she is from russia and said her husband needs to go across the street and make the neighbors talk to us. and so he was all nervous and we followed them and we are all thinking this will be a disaster haha but weird enough the mom comes out of the house with all her daughters and was really nice and the daughters wanted to come to church. So you just never know sometimes you just have to do it and if they are prepared it doesn't matter how you invite them to learn they will accept.

This week I have not been feeling too well and making excuses and what not and then I came across this scripture which humbled me and got me re-motivated to give all I have because it is scary to talk to people but it is like the talent analogy if we bury our talents the Lord will take them away but if we continue to open our mouths and invite and not be ashamed of our faith the Lord promises to increase our talent to make us better.

The scripture was D&C 60:1-5

 1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders of his church, who are to return speedily to the land from whence they came: Behold, it pleaseth me, that you have come up hither;

 2 But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine danger is kindled against them.

 3 And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have.

 4 For I, the Lord, rule in the heavens above, and among the armies of the earth; and in the day when I shall make up my jewels, all men shall know what it is that bespeaketh the power of God.

 5 But, verily, I will speak unto you concerning your journey unto the land from whence you came. Let there be a craft made, or bought, as aseemeth you good, it mattereth not unto me, and take your journey speedily for the place which is called St. Louis.

It is not about getting your friends baptized after one discussion it is about inviting them to church activities, and living your faith with confidence they will see a difference and will gradually start feeling more comfortable. It is about bringing them closer to Christ and the closer they become then they will have that desire to truly follow our Savior.

We had dinner with this family and the sister had just gotten baptized a year ago and I guess her daughter is anti the church and said to her mom that she will never go to the mormon church that if she goes to a church it won't be that one. And the mom said, fine you can go to another church but you won't find the truth there. haha that sister is so bold I was amazed.

I have noticed more that when plans fall through and things are going wrong it does no good to panic but instead inquire the Lord. Every time I have taken a moment to pause and ask Heavenly Father and let the Spirit work our plans end up working and the Lord will take care of us.

What was awesome that I heard at Stake Conference is that this is His work we all know that, but really He does all the work. He softens the heart of others, He prepares others, and all He really ask of us is to live like we are suppose to and help His children find the truth. Do all we can and He will do the rest.

Pray and He will give you answers you just have to have an open mind. Which is hard sometimes. For Thanksgiving we are going to our ward mission leaders house which will be awesome they are originally from Idaho but moved here for work and what not so they don't have any pride in this town haha. But they are awesome!

I hope everyone is doing well and I just feel prompted to share my testimony and I will to abuela in spanish/portuguese but I know the book of mormon is the word of God it is plain and pure and our families can be together forever because of the Savior restoring His authority again to the prophet Joseph Smith. Why would anyone deny more of God's word. For He does give us faith as much as we are willing to work for it.

We had a drunk guy come up to us and we started talking about the book of mormon and he said there is no book of mormon and was angry and mad. Well, I know for a fact we have the book of Mormon and it is true. I felt sorry for him. You can tell who the elect are by the way they respond to the book of mormon.

There was an awesome talk at Stake Conference about if the Lord really cares about those who are truly suffering in other countries.  He does care, but He does not control the agency of others and therefore His children have to suffer. He does care. And that is why the gospel has been restored.

Te amo Familia
Sister Gonzales