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 What's up????

Brownsville is the land of miracles.

GOOD:

- This week we were at a park in our area to meet some new people! We approached a woman sitting alone on a bench and started talking to her. We quickly learned that she had 3 children and that her family had past experiences with missionaries. Unfortunately, they hadn't had the best experiences with the missionaries. Her husband later joined the conversation and told us almost immediately that he was not interested but wanted to assure us that he is indeed a follower of Jesus Christ. He said with some force "I've even got a tattoo of Jesus Christ, let me show you." Before I could say anything he had lifted up the right side of his shirt to show me his tat. It was NOT a tattoo of Jesus Christ, in fact it was a tattoo I wish I had never seen. His wife started yelling "HONEY THAT IS NOT THE TATTOO OF CHRIST, IT'S ON THE OTHER SIDE!!!" and me and my comp had finally determined it was time to leave. He did end up showing us his Christ tattoo on the other side of his torso as we walked away. One of the funniest experiences I have had in awhile. Such chaos.

- Another memorable moment from the week was having dinner with the Hansen family from our ward. They invited all the missionaries in the ward to join. This meal appointment was like Sunday dinner at grandma and grandpa Stringhma's house. The children were wild and constantly putting things on our head and into our hands. Picture included below and I think you'll understand what it was like.

- We knocked on a random door one night and an old man with no teeth said "PASEN! PASEN!" We entered and prayed for the gift of tongues because man this guy was hard to understand. It was an enlightening visit. At the end of the visit we asked him for water to which he went to get a glass from the cupboard and filled it with water. After we had finished drinking he put the cup back into his cupboard without washing it. Made me smile. People are just so nice and funny.

BETTER:

- There is SO MUCH GOOD to share. First let me start by telling you about my new friends Elena and Ben! They are so hype. Elena and Ben are a young couple we met just street contacting one night at like 8:30PM. They invited us back and we taught them about the restoration. This week we had our second lesson with them and talked about the Plan of Salvation. They have been reading the Book of Mormon at any free moment they have and are always so excited to welcome us over. They both have such a happy spirit and are some of the most normal people I have met in all of South TX. When we invited them to church they both got really excited. Ben was in Mexico for the weekend #classic but Elena DID come to church and met some other members who she really got along with. I feel such joy in the fact that I am a missionary when I get to teach Ben and Elena!

- JOE! Joe is progressing so nicely. What a cool guy he is. This week we had two lessons with him that we were able to bring members to and help him be fellowshipped in the ward. He also came to church again for the 4th week! The coolest thing I have noticed about Joe is that the gospel is already blessing his ability to learn new things and to do so quickly. During our first lesson with Joe - he was a bit of a slow learner and we had to teach very simply for him to grasp the ideas that we were expressing. It filled me with joy as I observed that this week as we taught him - he was able to understand things quickly and relate back to us the major ideas. The gospel blesses us in many ways and a sharp mind is definitely one of those blessings. Joe has a goal Baptismal Date of this coming Saturday and we are excited to keep working towards that day!

- Danielle and Nathan were Baptized and confirmed this week! They are incredible! Their Baptismal service was one of the most simple yet most powerful Baptismal services I have been a part of. Nathan told us that he felt like "something in his heart opened up" after he got baptized!!! I have loved watching them change as we taught them about the gospel. They truly are converted to Jesus Christ. We are excited to help them progress along the covenant path!

BEST:

In Sacrament meeting, one of the members shared an analogy that I loved. 

He told us that earlier that morning his little boy had needed to go out to the car and retrieve a toy he left there. He instructed his son on how to unlock the car, gave him the keys and then watched from the bedroom window as the little boy went out to the car and followed his directions exactly. The little boy got his toy and this member thought to himself "I am so proud of him, he is so smart."

He proceeded to connect this analogy to the gospel. God is always directing us and watching us. He is so proud of us when we do the right thing and wants us to learn for ourselves how to navigate life. He will never leave us alone, but He will let us learn.

I know God is our loving Heavenly Father. I know He is in the details and that His plan allows us to become better than we are right now.

"Work Hard, Keep the Commandments, Have a Positive Attitude and Show Gratitude."

- Elder Stringham