29 November 2016 Rollercoaster rides of ups and downs

Well this last week was a good one. Like always crazy and I cannot believe that another week has passed by. It seems so crazy to me. And every week I just keep reflecting on all that I have been learning and all that I still have to learn. Which is way too much. But that is okay. This week was full of lots of ups and downs with trying to work with the investigators and the members and just feeling a little helpless trying to help some. Sometimes it is hard that we cannot change the minds of some people. For the last few weeks we have been teaching some teenagers. Tito and Celeste. They have been going to church for over 2 years and they have such a strong desire to be baptized. But their dad just absoultely refuses to give them permission. Really we do not understand why other than that he just does not like religion. But you cannot change agency of someone. Which sometimes is very frustrating. But I have been learning a lot about having patience and just putting my trust and confidence in the will of the Lord. Sometimes it is really hard to accept the will and timing of the Lord but all happens for a reason right? But we had a huge up this week. We have a family of converts here in La Gomera. La Familia Jimenez. And they have so many problems in their lives. It really is a rollercoaster for them. But for some things that have happened in the branch with them the husband Ruger never recieved the Melquisedek Priesthood and their kids almost never go to church. Which really has just torn up my heart. Well this week we focused a lot in them and bringing their kids to church and all. And well on Sunday we had District Conference (its the same as stake conference) and so we spent the whole week animating them ALL to go. And on Saturday 5 of the 7 went to conference. And there the husband had an interview with the 2nd counselor of the mission presidency. And we did not know why but on Sunday we all piled into a bus with the whole branch and went to conference with the whole family. And to our great surprise Hermano Ruger recieved the Melquisedek Priesthood!!! Really it was amazing and I was so happy that I almost cried. And it has reanimated this family so much. They really have strong testimonies and they were even able to meet President and Hermana Markham which was awesome. It really makes me so happy to have this Gospel in my life and to see it change the lives of others. This family has a new light in their eyes and they are animated to stay strong. And soon they should be able to be sealed in the temple for time and all eternity. I love this chance that I have to share this JOY with all people. It is the best thing in the world. And I would never trade it for anything. Love each of you! And remember that Christ loves you too! Take time to reflect on His life and to remember all that He does in this special holiday season! Les amo mucho! Hermana Stewart