G I R A S O L E S. (sunflowers)

Dear Family,

Before I say anything, I just want to let you know that I am extremely grateful that because of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, I AM TRULY HAPPY. 

This week has been a beautiful week full of skin-burning sunshine and beautiful "Diosidencias" as Hna Womack says ( or Godly coincidences in English).

NUMERO UNO: This week we finally visited M D. She let us enter her house and we taught her in preparation for the General Conference. At the end of the lesson, she invited us to do an Family Home Afternoon with her niece A S who is currently less active along with her three sons. We readily accepted the invitation, surprised and more than happy to participate. 

I loved it. I watched as M D took control of the event, assigning the opening and closing prayer, choosing the hymn, and participating immensely in the lesson. I watched how her excitement made her less-active family members begin to participate, the rebelious teenage sons listening closely to what was being said (even if it was a few minutes here and there :) and A willingly accepting our invitation that they could join us in the conference. The way everything unfolded couldn't have any more perfect and it was clear that the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ really is a guide and blessing to unite the family. 

NUMERO DOS: La Conferencia General de La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días. Once again, I watched the conference in Pinos Ward (and for those who were asking, I watched it in Spanish). I can't believe it has been 6 months since I started here in Pinos. The members ask me if I want transfers but with a firm NO I enjoy every moment I can be here in Pinos.

Anywho... General Conference. R came to the conference with her sister E but because M was embarassed because he forgot his sunday shirt, he didn't come (He is 11 yrs old and the most animated person I know to come to church... but only when he has his Sunday Shirt :) D came to the conference too! I was so happy to see everyone that came but even more to see our investigadors there. I was praying so hard that there would be atleast one talk that caught their attention and gave them the answers they needed. And you know what? I think God heard my infinite prayers :) 

I honestly can't think of ONE talk to share with y'all but I will share snippets of a few talks that I like- Things I learned from one of the speakers. One thing that really struck my mind was the talk by Quentin L. Cook. Crazy enough, I had been thinking about sunflowers all week long and to hear Elder Cook talk about sunflowers caught my attention. I am not exactly sure if these are his exact words because it could be personal revelation or errores in the translation from spanish to english, but I liked this idea: "That which will protect us and guide us is our righteousness." Being obedient and righteous have the blessings of protection and direction. Like the Girasoles (sunflowers) having our mirada (sorry I can't remember how to say this word in english) set on Christ, our spiritual growth and strength is clear. As sure as the sun will rise every day, Christ is always there. His light is bright and possible to find and follow.

I hope General Conference was just as wonderful or more for you as it was for me. 

Thank you to everyone who has been my teacher and example in learning and living the gospel. Because of the gospel I AM TRULY HAPPY.

HAPPY HERE IN PINOS,

Hermana Beardall