Thanks for always making sure to remind me how long I've been out! Haha just kidding, it's crazy to think about how much time has passed since I first headed out for México and started this mission experience. So much has happened in this past year, but it also feels like I can recount each experience as if they just happened a few weeks ago. It's an odd thought/feeling for sure haha.
Well, we finally actually got iPads! Haha, it's kind of weird having a high-tech device, but it is pretty cool at the same time. We had a special zone conference on Saturday where we received them. They really can't do as much as I thought they would be able to do though. They have some interactive pamphlets, but they're only in English, so they won't help us out too much in Spanish haha. Studying with the Gospel Library is sweet though, I'd say that's definitely my favorite part so far. But we'll see how it goes as we continue with them, I'm sure there will be some improvements and modifications as time goes on.
We had a pretty rough week as far as success goes, but it was a good learning experience. A lot of rejections. A lot haha. It's always good to get a good, rude rejection every once in a while though. Kind of gives you a wake up call sometimes. That's when you've really gotta know where your heart is so you can still share a heartfelt testimony with someone who might seem like they don't want anything to do with you. These are great times!
I had another cool experience that happened yesterday at the same hospital here in this area where I last ended up giving a blessing to a lady that was from my very first area. This time, I got a text from the Zone Leaders saying that there was a lady in the hospital who was related to a member from another ward and the member wanted to visit her with us and give her a blessing. They gave me the member's number, so I called him to set him up. It ended up being the Elder's Quorum President from my last ward up in Santa Monica! Hermano Sanchez! It was so good to get to see him again, especially since I really didn't get a chance to say goodbye to anyone up there. We met up at the hospital and were able to give this lady a blessing. The Spirit was super strong in that little room and she even expressed that she "felt like crying." We explained to her the importance of faith in regard to blessings and she said she definitely did have the faith for the words pronounced in the blessing to come to pass. I shared with her Ether 12:27 and explained to her the importance of faith and humility with the weaknesses we may have. That is one of my favorite verses in the Book of Mormon.
My buddy Hermano Carrillo (who was an inactive alcoholic who hadn't been to church for 12 years) made it to church again yesterday and was a week sober! That man is a walking miracle! We had put in so much time and effort with him without even a glimpse of change that we were all kind of losing hope. But then all of a sudden, he was able to stop and is a completely different person. I learned two things from that overall experience: the first is the effect of alcohol on a person. I've taught people who were able to get over meth, cocaine, heroine, and cigarettes, but still couldn't kick the addiction of alcohol. Isn't that wild? He has a completely different personality being sober as well, he doesn't even seem like the same man. Never mess with that stuff! The second thing I learned is to never give up hope! It was easy to get frustrated and even a little discouraged when nothing was happening with so much effort being put in, but we should never lose hope! I was reminded of the talk during this last conference by Elder Nielson about loving, watching, and waiting. Sometimes situations like that just take some time, love, and patience. The hermano told me at church yesterday, "Ahorita estoy empezando de nuevo a asistir a la iglesia." So sweet!
Glad to hear everything went well with Faye and that you've made it to summer! Happy Father's Day this Sunday, Dad! I love you and am so grateful that I was blessed enough to come to your family. I think Heavenly Father must have known I wouldn't have been able to make it without having a Dad that was a stud like you! Thanks for all you do!
I love you all so much and appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I hope you are able to find missionary experiences around you and chances to share the Gospel with others so that you might be able to feel what Alma is talking about in Alma 29:9-10 in the Book of Mormon. I know that book is true and its teachings have helped me become a better man and missionary! Have the greatest week!
Elder Reynolds
Sent from my iPad.
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