Kindness and Love and Smiles

Wed, March 17, 2010

I remember one time in my singles ward, it was the end of the Summer right before we were about to get callings for the fall. I went to my Bishop and said ok, don´t even think about giving me a calling to be a teacher because I will just say no. He just kind of chuckled and said well we´ll see. To my relief I did not receive calling as a teacher. The nicest thing I have basically ever heard then is when yesterday my companion said, you know I really think you should look into teaching. I think you are such a good teacher. Wow, it is so cool to see how long I have come, especially I really do love it now.

I have been feeling a little down because two of our investigadores are really ready for baptism, but aren´t accepting to do it- they want more time. I know they will get there, but I guess right now it is a really big test of my patience. So I have been feeling better lately with some really great experiences we have been having.

On Saturday we were leaving a family that wasn´t there for an appointment we had. I just turned the corner and was like ok we should knock this house. A lady came out (Ok, a little back up, we have been looking for a lot of menos activos right now too because they are part member families and because if the assistance goes up past 60 for 6 months they will build a big new beautiful chapel. The problem is, our ward list has very vague directions- Bo Estacion sin numero- ok that neighborhood is SO big. dang) This lady turns out to be a member that hasn´t gone in like ten years. But she lets us share something with her (she is the daughter of the family we were trying to activate like two months ago with 9 kids or something like that but she lives allado de ellos and we were coming from a different direction this time so I had no idea she lived there) ok ANYWAY, haha sorry, so at the end she was like yes I would like to go back to church I think that would be good, And then I said can we come back and teach your whole family another time? She said well I guess but my marido isn´t really interested, (not really marido, more like novio) And I said ok, well when he is home? So we passed by last night and she was really scared I could tell to let us talk with him, she was like no another time he is duro, he doesnt really want to hear. Last night i was like its ok, and I was about to just give up and be like whatever all men are duro and leave their house. But I just kept talking and then asked if we could come in anyway and she said pasen pasen! So we went in and the marido- Cristian, was like no I dont want to listen. And i was like well we are really just going to pray just come and join us. And he just kept watching tele and I was like no really we are just going to pray. So finally he came over, and I was kind of scared because I was being really pushy. But he participated and then after he just sat there. Like my mind is running a million miles an hour- ok ok what can I share he is still here listening like I was so scared! haha anyway So I was like alright the restoration! So I started sharing. my comp and I just really focused on the priesthood and how he could have it. I asked how could it help you to have this power in your home? and he was like well, I dont know really but like I need to start going to church and see whats it like. I was like oh my gosh! haha then I said yeah and you need to get married. they were like yeah....we do. The way he changed from the beginning to the end of the lesson was crazy. At first he wanted to run from us, at the end he was talking about he wanted to pray to know its true, and when we could pass by again to share more.

Even though i was really scared, it ws so cool to see how the spirit kept pushing me and we were able to be led by the spirit to be able to share exactly what he needed to hear, to realize how the restored gospel of Jesus Christ would bless his life. It was so cool.... i felt likeI was walking on clouds after the lesson.

Also the other day we were teaching this reference from a member and her husband is being treated for cancer and so she is really receptive to the message. we were teachign the plan of salvation and how following the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved and return to God. I turned to my comp to let her teach baptism and then invite her to be baptized. All my comp said was se bautizará? Even though my comp doesn´t speak spanish super well, she has the Spirit. and that was all Irma needed to hear, and she just said yes. It taught me a lesson because I was like no we have to explain it ( we did later ) and really ask like if she will follow the example of the Savior and blah blah. All we need is the Spirit and the Lord takes care of the rest. I really feel like more than ever this transfer I have been learning the importance of the Spirit in the mission work. Which is kind of sad because it is absolutely necessary.

Another thing I learned is just to really follow the way the Savior lived. People often times will reject our message but we just treat them with kindness and love and smiles and when at first they are super cold and rude, al final, they are smiling and laughing and thanking us for coming by. Truly the Savior had it right. We just need to show our love always for everyone and just be happy. Which I am happy, I have the truth in my life. And I know the way to continue being happy forever. Even though sometimes, just like the Savior we are rejected rudely no matter how nice we try to be. I challenge all of you to show your love for others this week. And if maybe they´re aren´t some people you can really get along with, pray with all the energy of your heart to receive that charity, the pure love of Christ (moroni 7)

I love you all, and I know that following Christ in all He did is the only way to happiness.

Love, Hermanita Dunford