6.23.2014 Another year in the books

Dear Family,

A week in the mission is always filled with every kind of experience/emotions. I like to think that a years worth of ups and downs and all jammed into a week or even a day:)(I'll start with the lows so we can end on a high:)) This week I think I experienced some of the harshest rejections that I've faced on my mission. We got the "normal" eyerolls/don't talk to me faces, but these two guys just might have been the best. 

Rejection #1 We started talking to this guy who was just sitting in his front yard and he asked us what we believe so of course we started talking a little bit about the restoration and prophets and it wasn't too long before he just flat out said we were wrong and that everything we told him were lies. 

Rejection #2 We crossed paths with this guy at an intersection and he turned back around to talk to us. First off, he introduced himself as Lucifer, crossed his arms and said, "ok, tell me something."...never a good sign, and when people are obviously not going to listen my brain turns off, and I feel completely lost. We tried to get to know him, and tell him a little bit about the restoration, and he pretty much just told us we were young and didn't know anything and he knew the scriptures better than us, then to top it all off his departing words were "You didn't do anything for me." Ok, normally that wouldn't bother me but this week I just happened to have taped a piece of paper on my preach my gospel that says "What have you done for them?" Yep, so that one stabbed me in the heart for a little bit, but all is good. One day his heart will be softened:)

Rejection is pretty normal, if it wasn't We would be having baptisms every week, but I thought I would just share a few of the experiences this week:) 

Ok, now for the happy stuff!)

1. Hermano Flores considers himself active now:) Next step...the temple!:)

2. After an LA English Meeting(I'm the unit leader) I was just super determined and impressed to go to the Alvarenga's house and set goals and make plans to help them get married and help Maria have a stronger testimony of the Book of Mormon and the power in the Atonement. Long story short they have already made some big steps to getting married, and Hector gave us her coffee, and began praying about being baptized:) Of course, with progression comes lots of pressure from the adversary, but we are determined to fight for them:)

3. A potential called us about church!(yeah, that never happens!)

4. Went to the temple and it was glorious:) I am so incredibly grateful that I have the opportunity to be reminded of God's plan for me and my family, and to always keep an eternal perspective:)

5. We went to dinner with our ward mission leader and we had the opportunity to share the gospel with a few people while we were there and a some point this homeless guy came in and started asking people for money so he could be some food. One of the cookers came out and tried to get him to leave, but Hno. Garcia just took him buy the elbow up to the front desk and told him to order what he wanted and that he would pay. I am so grateful for the example he was to all the people that were there some day. Find someone to serve today!:)

6. A hot day on the bikes, and this guy gave us 2 water bottles, then one of our investigators gave us some yogurt and a pear:) #foodmiracles

7. My birthday wish came true:)(it was to have someone accept a baptismal invitation) We have begun teaching this guy Jaime who doesn't really know all the much, but he was a referral from an ex-girlfriend in Mexico. He's in his upper 40's and divorced, and we are pretty much teaching him from the ground up which is super fun:)

All throughout the day I kept forgetting about my birthday until someone would remind me. We had a lesson with Jose at the Reyna's and it was time to head back in for the night, but as we were leaving they pulled out a cake and sang to me:) (sorry, you'll have to wait a while for some pictures) Then as we were planning our ward mission leader called and told us he had something for us. He had bought me some chessecake. Yum!

Pretty much if I could some everything in a sentence it would be...I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY! I would not trade being here for anything else in the world. I am so grateful to be here and to be serving my Savior. I have learned so much about myself, the gospel, and God's love for all of us.

I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Love,

Hermana Ford