A Much Needed Temple Trip

Santo Dominican DR Temple

Hello family!

Did you miss me? I didn't write this past Monday because our P-day got changed to Thursday-- just for this week. Because we went to the temple today!! And it was magical. I love temples. I haven't been in so long, and I needed it. My comp gets to go again tomorrow for a special trip because she's going home, but they cut her apoyo (funding) so I'm not sure how we'll afford all the traveling.

Jen's fancy garbage bag haircut cape

We had surprise intercambios (other missionaries come in and pair off with local missionaries) this week. I didn't know why until Hermana Oropeza told me that everyone is worried about us because our numbers are so low! We work hard, but nobody wants us. The area is rough.

We might have another baptism tomorrow if all goes well. Yulimar is another 9 year old with inactive parents, but she's gone to church her whole life. She's the smartest kid I've ever met.

We visited Mama Luca this week. She and her husband, Silvestre, (old couple members) were busy watching La Rosa de Guadelupe. (a super dramatic cheesy telenovela about people who pray to Guadelupe, and a rose apears anytime Guadelupe does a miracle.) Silvestre commented on how the acting was fantastic (but it's a soap opera) and Hermana Alcala turns to me and explains what the show is about, and that only Catholics believe in Guadelupe, but Silvestre finally broke away his gaze from the show and told us, ¨No, I do too!¨

Miracle of the week! Arisleida went to church! That´s the first person besides Paulino and Marisol that went to church this whole transfer. She brought her two boys. It made a whopping total of 5 investigators at church. We finally have someone who's progressing! Also I'm worried for Paulino and Marisol because they were supposed to be baptized a while ago, but each week we run into another problem. Stinkin' adversary. The good news is that they finally have all their legal paper work to get married.

Sunday was pretty rough for me. I prayed super hard that night to see the Lord´s hand in this work. The next day (with no citas (appointments) planned-- because it was originally pday!) we had such a good day! It wasn't necessarily successful with teaching, but I saw a bazillion miracles, and every time I think back, I realize more miracles. For instance, everyone offered to feed us this week! This  is great because my comp doesn't have money, and we didn't have a Pday to buy more food! Also, I felt like my Spanish socializing skills improved. We also invited Bilerka to baptism-- the first invitation we've extended in several weeks. Also, there's a talented lady in our area who makes little porcelain dolls, and she gave me a free pretty angel magnet! The list of good things goes on.

I love to share the gospel message. I'm so grateful to belong to this church. I'm grateful for temples. I'm grateful for scriptures, and prophets, and I'm grateful for the sacrament. I'm grateful for sacrament hymns. I love my family! I pray for you all (extended family too!) by name every night, and I hope y-áll have a great week.

Love,
Hermana Ludlam