el 9 de mayo

this week was one of the hardest weeks in my mission. having a close family member die is a little heart wrenching and honestly not something that i had in mind to be able to process. but thanks to some advice from a zone leader how had a similar experience, i was able to give the whole thing over to the lord. i know that i will be able to see him again. the life to come has become something to look forward to now. 

thanks to a loving mission president, i was able to talk with my family twice this week for the above mentioned sudden passing. the first was something awful, out of medical television series, but it was something that i am glad i got to do. the following hour was dedicated to earnest prayer and fervent cries for comfort and help. a voice said, it will be okay. i am here with you. i wrote about the day in my journal and closed the book. thursday was a new day, and i had no time to think of anything more than my investigators. sunday i was able to talk with my family again, and what a joyous moment it really was to hear them. there weren't any tears, and it was better that way. the next couple of weeks can't pass by quick enough.

this week we were able to have four investigators in church. one of our converts, eusebio (an older gentleman who works as a security guard) brought his wife to church, angie and her mother made it time to come to our ward's sacrament meeting, mioses is all ready to go for his baptism the 21st and then denis made it to church. the lord was grinning as we saw 17 confirmations take place during the afternoon ward's sacrament meeting. how wonderful it was to see. 

a scripture that has brought a lot of comfort to me this week is found in alma 40:11-12,

::Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.::

and something that i read in our heritage, by president howard w. hunter,

::if you have troubles at home with children who stray, if you suffer financial reverses and emotional strain that threaten your homes and your happiness, if you must face the loss of life or health, may peace be unto your soul. we will not be tempted beyond our ability to withstand. our detours and disappointments are the straight and narrow path to Him.::

the weather this week was warm, and it rained all day on thursday. we have entered the rainy season now! :)

lots of love, from angie and i

hermana graves