Oldies But Goodies

Buenas!   heres a little miracle from our week-

Hno C- So two weeks ago we were walking all over and no one was home.  I was tired and thirsty and I wanted to sit down so I pretty much forced this little old man to let us into his house to teach him and his wife.   While we were waiting for him to open the gate my comp gave me a little eye roll and I looked at her and told her that this guy was going to get baptized ( a little sarcastically because this guy did not look interested at all!)   But then we taught the lesson and they are this cute little couple from the interior- humble, cant read, cook lots of rice:)    They know nothing about God, just that everyone talks about him but they have no personal relationship.  We were able to teach them about how God really is their loving heavenly father and that they really can pray to him.   Yesterday was the Hermanos 2nd Sunday at church and he loves it!!   He was waiting for us ready to go and climbed the lomas faster than we did even though hes got a good 60 years on us.  We teach them simply and go very slow but the desire that Hermano C has to come unto Christ is powerful!   

Willie- A few weeks ago we met these two girls who told us they were less-actives and they started coming to english class.  This week we went to go visit their family because they told us that their parents werent members.  When we got there the mom was working so we taught the dad and the girls and the grandma about faith.  We put cookies on the counter and talk about how faith can move mountains and then we ask them to move the cookies with their faith.  Normally it takes a while for them to catch on but Willie (the dad)  was quick.  He jumped right up and said ´ima eat my cookies´ and grabbed the cookies from the counter.  PREPARED!  He was so ready to act on his faith and not just with the example, he was so willing to read what we left him and he wanted to come to church but they already had plans to travel this weekend.   We met the mom on saturday and she is just as ready.  They already have family prayers and want to be an eternal family.  

Thats all, love you lots!!

Hna Smith

Back To The Miracles

So I realized I havent been telling you as much about our missionary miracles and honestly I havent been looking for them as much as I used to but this week I decided to change that!  So here are some awesome miracles from this week in Burunga-

* Elder Christensen and Elder Alonzo came to Panama!   We had an awesome conference and I am the official piano player, wahoo!   Every single talk had something that I needed to hear but especially President Carmacks when he talked about the Spirit and recieving revelation.  I realized that I could do better about seeking out the Spirit in everyday decisions and I also realized that God probably trusts me more than I realize to make the right choices without any big signs or directions.  Definitely something I am going to apply this week.

*I did divisions this week with Hna Vasquez who is just too cute.  I learned a lot from her about humble service and hard work.  We went to a noche de hogar at her recent converts house and there was a member from Biancheri there! He said that Carlos is still going to church every week and that tomorrow is temple day for Chorrera and guess who else is going to the temple tomorrow....US!!   So I should be able to see a whole bunch of people from Chorrera:)

*Victor walked in to church yesterday with a white shirt and tie on and he looked like a future missionary.   He is still excited stubbornly set on being baptized the 22 of Feb!!   

* We have another investigator named Victor who is really really old and really really sick...not sure if Ive mentioned him before.   He has already read and marked the Book of Mormon throught 3 Nephi and he loves it.   He wants to be baptized so badly but first he has to quit smoking.  Not that easy for an 80 year old whos been smoking 2 packs a day his whole life.  Yesterday after church we were able to go to his house with the bishop and elders quorom pres so they could give him a blessing.  He shared with them his love and testimony for the Book of Mormon and they gave him an awesome blessing of strength and health.  I asked him how he felt afterward and he was just beaming.  Normally he responds to that question talking about how tired or dizzy he is but he just looked and me and said ´i feel so happy and, i dont know, theres just something here in my chest and I feel so much joy!´    I am so grateful for the Priesthood and for priesthood leaders who serve willingly and lovingly.

Hope its a great week for all!!

Hna Smith