THE MIRACLES CONTINUE...

This week has been challenging. We cannot find investigators and it has been weighing very heavily on us. We had the hope of Natasha. We proposed baptism and she accepted. Then we had to get permission from her gramps and, of course, her mom. Well, the unbelievable happened. Her grandpa said no. He's a member! We couldn't believe it. This was yesterday. So we have no need to ask her mom. I don't understand. When we finally find someone to baptize, the things of life get in the way. This work is so much more complicated than I EVER EVER EVER imagined. So we were back to no one.

Then we went contacting and that's when we found a miracle. Her name is Veronica. She let us right in her house. What?! That's unheard of. Every word that came out of her mouth was... wow! My mouth dropped open and I don't think I closed it. She told us what she's looking for in a belief and everything she wanted, we have. We prayed with her and she loved how we communicate with our Heavenly Father. She said just the day before she had been wondering about whether or not to baptize her 2 year old son. We told her it didn't need to be done. I asked her straight up if she thought he had sins. She laughed and said no. I asked then why does he need to be baptized? She loved that too. Ah! I love her! We can't see her again until Friday and so I'm praying with everything in my soul!!!!!! that she will read and pray. Oh and she wants to read the Book of Mormon so bad. She said she heard a little bit about our church from a guy on the bus who was Mormon. Thank heavens for that man who planted a seed... who knows how long ago. I'm so grateful to him. I hope we can keep her and teach her. I just hate that I get excited about someone and the next minute they fall off the face of the planet.

My companion, Hermana Puentes, and me
The youth came back from EFY and spoke in Sacrament yesterday. It was probably the most spiritual Sacrament I've ever been too, with the exception of the Sunday before my farewell when the youth sang. They experienced such a change. You always appreciate something more when you don't have it, or don't have much of it. This EFY program in South America has changed the lives of these youth. They are so grateful for the opportunity to do something together and grow together. I was touched because, at the very least! we have 3 trips every summer as youth in Utah. Youth conference, girls camp and trek some summers. Appreciate the church we have! Appreciate the technology and the development we have. It's incredible!!!

I have felt overwhelmed, but once again happy. I can't even begin to tell you the things I am learning here. My comp and I had an intense conversation this morning about gospel principles and I am amazed at the things I'm learning that I wouldn't have learned without this mission experience. I'm grateful for that. One of my former companions called me last night crying because the mish is so hard. It happens... this place is not easy! But I love this gospel. I love my life. I am so unbelievably blessed I can't even stand it. I love you all. Be good. Be strong. Stay true to the faith. Love, Ash
The beautiful sunset overlooking the ocean! I love it!