"It Was the Best of Times; It Was the Worst of Times"

Mon 8/24/2015 12:25 PM

I don't even know where to begin!

My heart was so full this last week. Full of love, humility, happiness, and also smoke.

 

So there's 30 active fires in WA right now. It is insane! The state is like on fire or something. Baptism by fire.. Hahah no. But this last Friday was probably the worst. There was heavy smoke everywhere. It was so difficult to breathe. I think I understand how smokers feel a bit now. Or maybe I don't, because these "Washingtonians" were still out smoking their joints! I don't understand how, but okay.

 

Anyway, there was ash all in the air. I've never dealt with anything like this. Never had trouble breathing in my life, but hey. There's a first for everything, right? President Dymock instructed everyone in those areas to immediately go inside and update things unless we had set appointments. In that case, we could go to those. We found a way to get into people's houses. We wanted to keep teaching! The air quality was hazardous. He also instructed us all to prepare 72 hr kits in case we needed to evacuate. Sis Norcross (roommate) and I were on it that night. I tried to throw my whole closet into a carry on bag. No comment. So yeah. People are fasting for the fires to cease and all that. It's been really neat to watch everyone's faith enhance through such a humbling experience.

 

Oh yeah. I got my darn "trunky papers" that day. It was the saddest thing of my mission thus far.

 

Not only did that happen on Friday, but such a huge blessing occurred that day too. Thus, making it the best day of my mission. Jose de Jesus. He went into the temple for the first time! Easily the happiest moment of my mission. I had waited my entire mission for this to occur. He took a few of his family names with him. I got the opportunity to do proxy baptisms with him too, so I took some of our family names. I had him do the male names on our behalf. I was so happy that he got to do it! He was the only male there so he had to do 15ish names. Poor guy wasn't even expecting it. As he was "dunked" for the 10th time, he asked "Are we done yet?" One of the temple workers asked him if he was doing all those family names I gave him, and he turned to me, pointed and said, "I'm just doing her a favor". He also referred to that worker as "Mr. Clean" because he was bald and in all white. I cracked up so hard. There was a special point right before I went, that I was waiting and talking to him. I asked him how he felt and he explained that it was a peace he has never felt before. The way he felt outside of the temple compared to the inside was drastic, and that he didn't wanna leave. I about cried for the millionth time. The Spirit was so strong at that moment. Music to my ears. He was excited to find out there were further covenants and ordinances he could make in the temple. Easily the greatest, sublime, moment of my mission.

 

 

 

 

This whole past week was so filled with miracles.

Edgar. He is soooooo golden! He has the greatest sincere desire to change and become better. He knows that the way is through Christ, and that's what he wants to change. He had so many crazy events lead him to this point, and he expressed that he knows we're here to help him and how he's so blessed for that. He thinks we're "angels". He is just so ready!!

 

Dylan. He's a YSA referral we received. Holy smokes. I have never met anyone so hungry for the gospel and baptism in my life! We texted him to contact him and he immediately said, "I want to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". I know this is my answer and the way for my eternal happiness. We put him on date via text for September 26th. He said he was so ready and he wanted to know everything he needed to do to make it possible. He said if he needed to be abstinent on whatever, he would do it. We met with him yesterday, and confirmed Sept 26th. He had met with missionaries before, and when we taught the Restoration, he knew EVERYTHING. He asked what he needed to do to have the Priesthood, cause he wants it so badly. It was incredible. The Spirit was so strong, and he easily recognized it. He told us it's testifying of complete truth and that he can't wait to grow his testimony and be baptized. This was such a first for me. Never met anyone so ready like he was! We're meeting with him tomorrow. Our members who were at the lesson were so impressed bu him and his desire. He blew each of us away!

 

Transfer calls. Okay so get how crazy this is. We get transfer calls Sunday night. President Dymock called me Saturday night and asked me to go off speaker. Asked me how I was doing. Told him I was nervous now that he was on the other line. He laughed and said that he wanted to personally deliver my transfer call to me via phone. He told me that after much thought and prayer, he needed to put me with Sister Ballif. An English speaking missionary. That he confides in me and knows that I need to be her companion. He's had quite a crazy last transfer and that he wants me to second train her. I'm excited to have an opportunity to grow. It's such an honor that President thought of me. With that said, I'm staying in Cheney YSA English and in Southwest Spanish. Solo STL of 4 sister companionships, and doing Spanish work by myself since my comp doesn't know Spanish and wasn't assigned to serve in Spanish. I'm so humbled and grateful.

 

Here's a quote that has been my motto the past few weeks.  "To thine ownself, be enough" -David O. McKay.

 

The key is to follow the Spirit and obey it with exactness. That's when we know we're successful. Whether we are or aren't missionaries. In order to grow and progress, we must follow the Spirit and learn to do so. That's why we have all these commandments. To make it possible to do that.

 

The Lord doesn't care if we baptized a million or none. He cares that we did our best. In and out of missionary work, and that we followed the Spirit. I testify this is true.

 

I invite you all to cut something that hinders your communication from recognizing the Spirit. I know you'll recognize miracles and wonders.

 

Love you all! 2 more transfers to learn and serve my Lord. Wow.

 

Con amor,

 

Hermana Robles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cloud 9.1

Mon 8/17/2015 12:30 PM

It's a beautiful day to be a missionary in the WASPO mission!

I miss President Mullen saying that..

It really is though! This past week was just the worst in spite of the smoky air I inhaled each day.

The air was just so dusty, and the sky was just so gray due to all the fires that have been occurring. Now add that to the heat we've been getting. It's a hot mess.

I don't get allergies whatsoever, but I don't know what was in the air that caused my eyes to itch, and for it to be difficult to breathe. It was probably weed. It's legal here, so I wouldn't be surprised.

But really. I found my eyes watering and super itchy this whole week. It was tough for me to look "professional". 

 Aside from that, I've been

 

on Missionary "Cloud 9" all week. or, "9.1" as I call it. So many miracles. It's been incredible.
 

If you couldn't tell, yesterday was the best Sunday, ever. Why? I'll tell you why. 

Jose de Jesus. Ah! The sisters in the Valley told me the week previous to this last, he passed the sacrament. Yesterday, he blessed it! Happiest news ever! He wore his white shirt and black slacks, and a tie! A TIE!!! Apparently his was too long, so he had to wrap it around his neck like twice. So adorable.

 

 

We also had our investigator Adan come to church! He looked like a total Priesthood holder with his white shirt, tie, and black slacks! I just couldn't get over that. HE NEEDS TO BE BAPTIZED! He was so engaged during the meetings. Sung the hymns. Read 3 Ne 18 during the sacrament, took notes, participated in class, and made friends with everyone. It was just the best. the spirit was suuuuper strong!

Oh, and we got 3 of our less actives at church! It was so awesome!

Josh. Okay, he's so cool. It was quite some time since he last came to our ward. Before I even came into the area about 4 months ago. We had a super awesome lesson about the Atonement and charity and how that correlates in with our lives and personal conversion. This happened Friday night. We invited him to church and he said, "I was planning on going this Sunday. It's been too long. I need to be there." So yesterday morning, we came by, and he had me pick out his tie. I chose pink cause Sister Flores and I were rocking that color for the day. That's beside the point though. He let whatever was holding him back (Satan) go, and put God first. It was cloud 9.1 indeed. Yesterday was the best Sunday.

 I'm pretty out of time, but this week is the last week of the transfer. So weird. Doesn't seem real. Time is just obscure to me. I feel that I'm getting transferred out. Been here a good chunk of time. Crossing my fingers I get transferred to the valley. I feel that this will be my last area, and it'd be the greatest to "die" with my Recent Converts. It'd be a great end to a great journey.

 

Oh, and we met this awesome golden latino named Edgar who really wants to change and grasp in everything we're teaching him. Watch me get transferred out.. Haha
 

Love you all! Have a great week (:

Con amor,

 

Hermana Robles

 

Ways the Atonement Strengthened Me This Week

Mon 8/10/2015 12:30 PM

So we received this phone call last night from the APs. It's very unlikely for them to call unless something is going on. I answered the phone and they asked me how I was doing. Well, of course I wasn't doing fine at that moment because I knew something was going on. They told me that President felt strong about this and that my companion and I were getting swept out of our area. We needed to be packed and out of our place by 6:30. I about fainted. My heart shattered and I had to gasp for air. I couldn't believe what they were telling me. A million things ran through my mind and I didn't know what to think or what to do next. Who to call to arrange everything. I asked the APs if they were serious, and I heard one of them laughing his head off in the background. The other said, "Nope, but we'd like for you to give a training at Zone Conference on Tuesday." That's our APs for ya. By giving me a huge scare, they eased their way into making me say "yes" over training 3 zones combined at tomorrow's Zone Conference. They're cleaver. 

 

 

 

P-day wasn't that long ago, so I don't have that much to update on.

However, I had a really neat experience while partaking of the Sacrament yesterday that changed a lot for me.

It's vital that we always remember and focus on the importance of the Savior's Atonement and what that means in regards to taking his name upon us and remembering him always. We tend to just take the bread and water, and call ourselves good for the week, and let the Atonement help us start over. Yes it's important to recognize that, but also to ponder on the significance of the sacrament and what exactly that means. It's the only ordinance we repeatedly do for ourselves. We can't take that for granted. If we do, well, I invite you to wholeheartedly repent and change that (: I'll be the first to admit that I've had to do that several times. Now remember that repentance is not a negative thing. It's simply humbling ourselves down and allowing for the Atonement to change us once we make restitution with our imperfections.

 

With that stated, I whipped out a sticky note and titled it "Ways the Atonement Strengthened Me This Week." It was incredible to be able to instantly jot down what it was that made it possible. I'll share a few things. I had the strength and will to let Mark go, I taught lessons with power and authority, I gained charity for each person I spoke to because I asked for it, I was enlightened through different missionaries and at MLC through the Spirit. I was able to remember the things I needed to train on at Zone Training on Friday, Self mastery became more of a possibility than struggle, and I was able to repent through partaking of the sacrament. By the end, I felt so good! So relieved. I then thought to myself, "Well, I've recognized these things, but now what do I have to stop doing, and begin doing?" It was great to recognize that instantly and let go of anything I held back in my heart from the Lord. So I invite you all to think and really ponder, "What do I need to quit doing, and now start doing?". You'll recognize your answer. 

 

I love the concept of "self government". President has made that a huge thing in our mission this past week. We're adults. We can govern ourselves and make decisions to help us grow, so now we're putting that to the test. We have boundaries in this mission, but he's allowing us to govern ourselves and pick our own consequences. He trusts us. That's how our Heavenly Father is. He does the same. He wants us to grow and develop ourselves. 

Mom and dad, I know you both have gone through that a ton the past year.With me leaving on a mission, and now Danny moved off to college. I get it. I finally understood. You've "trained" us and guided us to make the right decisions based off the doctrines and principles of Jesus Christ's gospel, and you trust that we'll make the right choices and ultimately be happy. You've done your part, and now it's up to us to either follow it, or stray away. I can tell you that I've learned the happiest, and easiest way is through God and Christ. Through their gospel. It's the ultimate key to happiness. So thank you.

 

I hope you have a great week, and pray that I don't mess up on this training tomorrow. Training a zone is do-able for me, but 3 combined.. I don't know. I'll probably trip over myself or something. 

 

Love you all!

 

Con amor,

 

The Recovery.

Mon 7/20/2015 12:30 PM

Cómo están?

So nothing too crazy happened throughout this week. I mean, my greenie and some members took over the area for several days, so I'm proud of her.

 

Both Dr. Lopez and President Dymock wanted me out for 5 whole days! FIVE! What is this?! It was just a little surgery.

So, I was just out for 4 and a half, and called it good (:

I felt so ineffective because all I got to do was lay, sleep, write in my journal, and watch LDS movies or anything of that sort. I watched Meet the Mormons like twice. Almost went on my 3rd time, but I realized something huge in the midst of all this.

 

Firstly, how amazing our members are to aid one another when someone's in need of help. I was with the Burnetts and McWhirks and rotated days. It was so great to be with them and counsel each other on different things. Our relationships certainly deepened. Their families spoiled me more than I deserved to be. 

 

Secondly, how I cannot let myself sit around and do nothing with my time when the time comes to go home. Time is such a precious gift that God has given us, and if we're wasting it by doing nothing productive and just sitting around, what does that say about our gratitude? I am so guilty of this. That's all I did before the mission. I could have done so much good in this world, but hey. We all learn from our mistakes, don't we? That's the beauty of the Atonement. 

However, I did have the chance to talk to the Hygienist and Dental Assistant about the gospel, as well as the Pharmacists and everyone we encountered while I was out. Sure I looked all bummy with my face swollen and my bummy clothes, but I think my name tag may have added some sort of power to it all. Just because I had to be on rest, doesn't give me an excuse to not be a missionary. The point is, we shouldn't be "sleeping through the Restoration". 

 

 I think the funniest thing was text my companion once I got out of surgery and said, "Tell President Obama I'm okay." When I meant to say "President Dymock". 

 

Thirdly, I think this small time was set apart for me to take a breather and figure out what to do with my future. It was highly needed. I was able to contemplate, study, and pray on what steps I need to make, and I'm a step closer on deciding on a few things. It's incredible how much God is willing to help us when we follow his commandments and simply ask and act. 

 

So Leo and Leoniel were baptized this past weekend! They had waited so long to do this, and they were finally able to do so. Coralia isn't in the picture anymore, but I can bet you 100 blessings, she's baptized by now as well. It was so great to watch Hno Candelario Lopez baptize them both. The Spirit was so strong!

 

Oh my gosh. So President Dymock is allowing the Spanish missionaries to take turns and do a Spanish temple session. We were the first ones to get to do it over the weekend. Everything was weird to listen to in Spanish. It was great! But I love that I got to be with the members from both the branches I served in. It was such a highlight. I couldn't stop grinning. I was able to gain guidance through that session. If I can remember correctly, D&C 88:116 was my answer. One of my new favorites. It's so important to trust God and his plan. 

 

Also, President and sister Dymock ask that you check out our mission FB page: Washington Spokane mission President Dymock.

 

We also have roommates now, so it's a "spiritual party".

 

Alright, eso es todo.

 I invite you all to really trust God, at whatever point your relationship is with him.

 

Love you all!

 

Happy Birthday Danny! I haven't forgotten!! <3

 

Con amor,

 

Hermana Robles

Frenados por el No 16

Anoche se hicieron las llamadas para los cambios.
Nos vamos a quedar juntos otro periodo mas (:
Es tan emocionante.
Presidente básicamente me dió mi cambio unos pocos días antes.
Por lo general, eso no sucede porque no se nos hace saber hasta los Domingos en la noche.
La semana pasada fue muy dura físicamente. He estado teniendo los peores dolores de muelas de toda mi vida. Al examinar mi boca, el otro día, encontré algo interesante al hacerlo con mayor detalle encontré  una nueva muela del juicio que estaba creciendo .. Se suponía que no debía preocuparme por extraer mis muelas del juicio hasta después de la misión, pero buen  'número 16 decidió crecer antes de tiempo. Ahí es donde el dolor comenzó a surtir efecto. Inmediatamente llamé a la hermana a cargo de la misión médica y llamé al dentista.

Presidente López de la rama en Español en el valle es un dentista, y así entré para un chequeo. Resulta que el buen # 16 necesita ser extraído lo antes posible. Hemos hecho una cita y me dio un montón de medicamentos para consumir antes de la cirugía.
Voy a ir a las 9:30 am de hoy  tiempo WA.  Dependiendo de cómo me siente Es posible que guarde cama por 4 a 7 días y estar al cuidado de algunos miembros. Tenemos los mejores miembros de la historia!  Varios de ellos han estado dispuestos a dejarme descansar en su casa y están tan al tanto de nosotras y dispuesto a ayudarnos en todo lo posible.
Hermana Flores tendrá una compañera mientras yo estoy fuera, y así muchos miembros han estado dispuestos a salir con ella, y creo que eso es lo que nuestras áreas necesitan para ganar el espíritu misionero. Habíamos estado orando para ayudar a nuestros barrios a ser incrementar su  entusiasmo por hacer trabajo misional y supongo que debo de entrar a cirugía oral para que esto ocurra. El dolor ha aumentado tanto en la semana. Ha sido insoportable. Gracias número 16.

Así que me enteré de la razón por la que me enteré tempranamente acerca de mi llamada de transferencia, se debió a los planes que tendría que hacer para que mi compañera se entrene en hacer su horario y toda la planificación que lleva liderar un compañerismo. Me siento  apenada, porque ella sigue siendo nueva,  y estará a cargo y responsable del área por completo, mientras me recupero. El Señor sabe que esto es lo que necesitaba para crecer, así que, de nuevo tal vez estoy más emocionado por ella en lugar de sentirme preocupada.
Este correo electrónico será breve ya que tengo que salir pronto a la cirugía.
Les voy a contar sobre lo más destacado de la semana!

José de Jesús pasó la entrevista, y fue bautizado el pasado sábado. Clara Walton condujo hasta  aquí para verlo y apoyarlo. El tiempo era limitado ya que era un bautismo tras otro, por lo que no llegó a tomarse fotos con él en ropas de blanco. Recuerdo verlo salir y caminar a la capilla, y viéndolo todo de blanco. Sentí el espíritu tan fuerte y lloré de gozo tocada por ese bello sentimiento de paz. Había esperado un año para este día, y al verlo entrar en las aguas del bautismo fue probablemente el día más feliz de mi misión. La forma en que lo encontramos fue el mayor milagro de mi misión.

 

 

 

 Él estaba brillando  ese dia  el servicio bautismo procedió. Él siguió sonriendo y levanto un pulgar hacia arriba. No esperaba que este día llegara, pero el Señor seguro que sí. José de Jesús totalmente parecía Elvis con su traje blanco puesto. Incluso la manera como tenia el cuello de la camisa al principio. Fue tan lindo y divertido todo fue tan especial.

Después de que fue bautizado, lo primero que dijo fue: "¿Estoy bien?" Es tan divertido! Dijo que se sentía tan bien! Es tan grandioso poder ver en blanco para ser bautizado a alguien a quien llegas a amr como Cristo amó. José de Jesús ha hecho que mi misión este casi cumplida, y ha sido una luz a la misma. Nada puede ganar a esa experiencia, y el verlo brillar después de que entró en las aguas del bautismo. Él recibió el don del Espíritu Santo el dia de ayer, y su siguiente paso será bautismos en el templo. Estoy tan feliz de poder asistir con él cuando esto suceda, por primera vez. Todo valió la pena, y fué el mayor honor el compartir el evangelio y llevarlo más cerca de Cristo. Él es un hombre que ha cambiado mucho, y testifico que es un fruto de la Expiación de Cristo. Lo sé con todo mi corazón.

Estoy muy emocionada por esta próxima transferencia. 3 más para ir! (:
Espero que todos tengan una gran semana. Les amo !

Con amor,

Hermana Robles

Held Back By Number Sixteen.

Mon 7/13/2015 9:56 AM

We're staying together another transfer (:

So exciting.

President basically told me my transfer call a few days prior.

 

Usually that doesn't happen because we don't find out 'til Sunday nights.

This past week was physically draining. I have been having the worst toothaches. I was examining my mouth the other day, and I found something interesting as I dug through. I FOUND A NEW TOOTH! My wisdom tooth grew in.. Apparently I wasn't supposed to get my wisdom teeth extracted until after the mission, but Good ol' number 16 decided to grow in beforehand. That's where the pain began to kick in. I immediately called the sister in charge of the mission medical and we called the dentist.

 

President Lopez from the Spanish branch in the valley is a dentist, and so I went in for a check up. Turns out good ol' wisdom tooth #16 needs to be extracted ASAP. WE set up and appointment and he gave me a ton of meds to consume prior to the surgery.

I'll be going in at 9:30 am today WA time. I'll be held back in bed for about 4-7 days. Depending on how I'm feeling. I'm going to be on bed rest, and be with some members. We have the best members ever! Several have been willing to let me rest in their home and are so alert of us and willing to help us in every possible way.

Sister Flores will need a companion while I'm out, and so many members have been willing to go out with her, and I think that's what our areas need to gain the missionary spirit. We had been praying to help our wards get more enthusiasm for doing missionary work, and I guess it's taking me going into oral surgery to make it happen. The pain has increased so much throughout the week. It's been unbearable. Thanks number 16.

 

So the reason I found out early about my transfer call was due to the plans I'd have to make so my companion figure out her schedule and preparing things. I feel so bad, because she's still a greenie, and I'm having her take over the area completely while I recover. The Lord knows this is what she needed to grow though, so then again maybe I'm more excited for her than feel bad.

 

This email will be short since I have to head out soon for the surgery.

I'll tell you about my highlight to the week though!

Jose de Jesus. He passed his interview, and was baptized this past Saturday. Clara Walton drove up to watch it and support him. Time was limited since it was a baptism after another, so we didn't get to take pictures with him in all white. I remember watching him step out and making his way into the chapel, and looking at him in all white. I felt the spirit soooo strong and cried being the crier I am. I had waited about a year for this day, and to watch him enter the waters of baptism was probably the happiest day of my mission. The way we found him was the biggest miracle of my mission. He was glowing s the baptism service proceeded. He kept smiling and threw me a thumbs up. I didn't expect this day to arrive, but the Lord sure did. Jose de Jesus totally looked like Elvis with his jumpsuit on. He even popped his collar. It was so funny He cracks me up.

 

 

After he was baptized, the first thing he said was, "Am I good?" He's so funny! He said he felt so good! It's so great to watch the one you come to love be dressed in white. Jose de Jesus has totally hanged my mission, and been such a light to it. Nothing beat that experience, and to watch him glow after he entered the waters of baptism. He received the gift of the Holy Ghost yesterday, and his next step will be baptisms at the temple. I'm so stoked to be able to attend with him when he goes through for the first time. It all paid off, and it was the greatest honor to teach him and bring him closer to Christ. He's a changed man, and I testify that it is a fruit of the Atonement. I know that with all my heart.

I'm so excited for this upcoming transfer. 3 more to go! (:

Hope you all have a great week. Love you!

Con amor,

Hermana Robles

Refinada y santificada através del Espiritu

Mon 7/6/2015 12:31 PM

Otra hermosa semana. Super caliente sin embargo. Las cosas no han cambiado mucho en ese aspecto, pero sin duda si ha habido un cambio muy fortalecedor en mi testimonio, nuestra zona, y así como también en la misión.

 

  Presidente y la hermana Dymock son simplemente maravillosos. Nos reunimos con ellos el día      después de su llegada a la misión. Nosotros fuimos el primer grupo que les conocimos. Tan pronto  como entrarón en la capilla donde todos estábamos reunidos, sentímos un sentimiento de amor por ellos. Es muy interesante. Yo ni siquiera tuve que decir nada pero sentí tanta caridad por ellos. Es genial cómo el Señor nos prepara para cambios drásticos en la vida. Estuvimos hablando con los Elderes del barrio en Español el día anterior, y todos recibimos esta fuerte impresión de que los Dymocks serán de gran impacto en el trabajo en Español aquí. Nos quedamos asombrados por ello.  Eso se solidificó para nosotros cuando comenzaron a hablarnos acerca de su familia. Tienen un yerno de México, y la hermana Dymock había ido a México a visitar a su hija la semana anterior. Ella expresó su amor por la cultura y la gente. También tienen un hijo sirviendo en Argentina.

 

 

 

Mientras ellos hablaban, dirigimos nuestra mirada a los Elderes de Español y supimos que harán algo grande por el trabajo en Español. Era tan gratificante! Hermana Dymock y yo ya somos mejores amigas. Estoy enseñándole Español. A ella le encanta. Estoy tan emocionada de tenerlos en nuestra misión. Ya hemos formado un vínculo especial, y sé que están aquí para tocar mi vida al igual que lo hicierón los Mullens. Soy muy afortunada de tener 2 Presidentes de misión y sus esposas. El trabajo en Español se va a acelerar mucho, y espero ser parte de ello dentro de las próximas 3 transferencias. Hablando de esto, tenemos cambios este domingo. Tengo la impresión de que voy a ir a trabajar en Inglés durante unos transferencias más, o me terminaré en un trio- de compañerismo. Tenemos otra hermana de habla Hispana que entrará la próxima semana, y vamos a estar necesitando una compañera más para ella, será interesante ver qué pasará. Sobre todo porque serán los primeros cambios del presidente Dymock. Sea cual sea el resultado, lo aceptaré, porque es la voluntad del Señor, y quiero alinear mi voluntad a la suya porque lo amo y confío en Él.

José de Jesús se va a bautizar este sábado! He estado esperando este día toda mi misión! Ha traído tanta alegría a mí! Presidente Dymock me dió permiso para salir de mi zona y poder estar allí, y él y la hermana Dymock estarán allí para apoyarlo también. Va a ser el día más grande. Clara Walton estará allí también, así que Casi no puedo esperar. Interesante cuánto Impacto puede tener tu entrenador en el resto de tu vida. ¡Oh, cómo la amo hasta la muerte ;-) . El Señor me ha estado bendiciendo con  puntos de inflexión durante estas últimas semanas. Me sentí tan refinada por el Espiritu debido a lo que nos pasó la semana pasada. Fué otro de esos días muy difíciles donde el enemigo trató de desanimarme. Tuvimos una lección establecida con alguien previamente. Fuimos a la casa y al tocar la puerta, Un hombre alto y delgado respondió. Honestamente, no puedo recordar su nombre. Era evidente que estaba de muy mal humor, y a medida que hablamos con él, me di cuenta de que él era uno de esos tipos de personas audaces y arrogantes. Me dije a mí misma que no estaba de humor para tratar con él y que esto iba a ser una pérdida de tiempo, sobre todo porque era obvio que él no estaba interesado. Estaba siendo muy mordaz conmigo sobre mi mensaje a él, y yo estaba molesta con él al instante. Entonces decidí que iba a ser del mismo modo con él y sólo aguantaria un poco y luego le diria lo que es la verdad. Este fue mi error. Estaba siendo audaz y prepotente. Entonces el hombre comenzó a ponerse frente a mi en mi cara y trato de silenciar rudamente. Nunca había sido tan bombardeada con malas palabras y groserias en mi vida. Me hizó sentir tan mal. No podía creer que este hombre estaba actuando de esa manera. Nadie había sido tan grosero conmigo. Sin embargo me disculpé y le dije que el por qué estábamos allí y cómo estábamos buscando a alguien más en la casa y que teníamos una cita establecida con aquella persona. Eso no cambio las cosas. Todavía estaba fastidiado solo por el hecho de que tenía misioneros SUD en su puerta tratando de hablar con él acerca de Dios cuando El era ateo. Ademas nos dijo que eramos un "desecho".

 

Como seguía tratando de ofenderme y desanimarme y refregarme en mi cara, yo constantemente oraba por paz y poder hallar caridad para ese hombre. Estuve tan herida, y yo sentí que mis ojos bañarse de lágrimas. La cosa más impresionante que me pasó entonces fué que mientras el trataba de hacerme dudar de Dios, Cristo, el Espíritu, y mi propio testimonio, mi molestia y el dolor al instante se convirtió en la caridad pura. Me senti conmovida a misericordia por este hombre! Fue un sentimiento tan fuerte de pena por El. Sabía que era el amor de Dios por él y que él (Dios) quería que yo vea a través de sus ojos, en vez de que lo vea con mis ojos humanos. Sonreí al chico mientras seguía agrediendome verbalmente y gritándome, y retorciendo mis palabras a su antojo. Entonces El Señor me dijo que compariera cómo me sentía. Así que le dije con amor que Dios lo ama, que lo amaba y que no iba a renunciar a él. Después de un fuerte testimonio expresado a El, El pobre hombre todavía estaba loco y fastidiado y no le importaba. Sin embargo fue una experiencia que fortaleció mis convicciones una vez más .