Week 8- September 30, 2013 - East L.A.

Folks,

    This week, I felt the spirit in a way I never have before. And I'll explain. So on Wednesday we were on exchanges and I went with the district leader.So we visted a few people in the morning, everything was cool. Then in the evening we had a lesson with this older couple, who was not married. We were having a great lesson with them at a members' home and everything was clicking. At the end of the lesson we mentioned them getting married. And then all of a sudden, I don't know what happened, but they started arguing and getting mad at each other. It got to the point to where the kids had to be put in another room to not hear the arguing and the lady started crying. As I witnessed this, I just prayed and prayed that we would be able to come up with something to help them. Right after my silent prayer, my companion spoke up and helped out a bit. Then the member adults came in and spoke up and helped out a bit. My companion then offered for the Mission President to come and help them with their relationship, but he denied it. But then, what got something in me going, he said he would like to have someone to be a "mediator." And in this moment of toil and chaos where I thought the spirit had left, something just burned in me and in an overpowering voice and stature that I have never in my life experienced, I pretty much called him out and told him to rethink what he was doing. He kept trying to talk over me, but I don't know what it was, the Spirit I had simply overpowered him as I bore testimony of the mission president and how great his calling is and how he is missing out on blessings because of his denial. It was extremely uncharacteristic of me, but I know I was used as a tool for the Spirit to get the point across. And I know we did. But it was amazing. 

Another great thing that happened this week is that we visited an investigator's mom, who is a hardcore catholic. She wanted us to teach her as well. We got in and talked to her for a bit, it was a bit awkward at first, not gonna lie. But then all of a sudden, the girl (our investigator) just got up and asked us for one of our Restauration pamphlets and started teaching her as much as she could and remembered. It was so awesome to see her do that! It definitely pleased my companion and I to see her desire to share the gospel with her mom. We are going to be going back this Thursday, so we'll see how it goes. 

I love being in the same apartment as the zone leaders because they bring a ton of energy and help me learn a lot. But everything has been going pretty well. The new ward is still working on giving all the callings out and getting everything organized. But it's looking good. Love you all! 

                              My lunch right before I went out. Top Ramen Sandwhich with some Valentina :)