July 23, 2012

Mommy,

 

I just want to write one more note to make sure you know how much I love you and care about you.  I know that right now Caroline, Katie, and Seth, are all passing through a hard trial, and that it is hard for you and all the others who love them so much.  Momma, just remember that God is watching out for them.  He has His hand in their lives and in ours.  And that as we all remain faithful, He will guide is to where we need to be and to who we need to be.  It reminds me of the conference talk by Elder Eyring where he says that it is the trials and tribulations that refine us, that make us stronger.  I truly believe that. We would not be the family we are today had we not had to face the trials that we faced. I would not be the person I am today had I not encountered and faced the things that I have faced and the same goes for all.  I have come to realize that there are moments in our lives, the hard moments, where the sun seems to fade and we have to ask ourselves, should I stop, should I give up, or should I walk in the darkness, holding on to the gospel - should I walk in faith.  In Corinthians, Paul says that by faith we walk...and so, as we choose to walk, holding strong the gospel truths, relying on our Savior, we begin to see that up ahead, there is light again, and as we enter into the light we see that it is the most beautiful light we have ever seen.  When we face trials and choose to hold to the gospel and turn to the Savior, we become strengthened in Him, our faith that was once tested becomes stronger, and our knowledge that was once so little increases.  That is the purpose of this life momma, to trust in God at all times, to be rely on Him and be strengthened by Him.  And to know that after the darkness comes the light.  I know, that God is looking after them.  I  know that as I do my best to work hard He will bless them, I know that as we all do our best to work hard and be obedient, He will bless them.  Be strong, tell them I love them.  I love you momma.  

Cubo<

RR

PS: Happy birthday Nonie!!!!

 

Also good news: Noel got his id this week!!  Keep you all posted on it.

July 16, 2012

Hey Everyone

This weekend we were so blessed.  A family of three got baptized and then a 14 year old girl, Maylis also got baptized.  Martha(Colombia), Fredy(Guatemala) y Kamila Pantaleon...we found them in a subway.  My companion was in the bathroom, so I started talking to them and we got a return appointment. With time, we started visiting them regularly.  The only problem was that Martha was extremely Catholic. She grew up praying to the Virgin Mary and everything, but she said she felt like there was something she was missing and she wanted her family to be united.  Well, we finally started getting to teach Fredy, her husband, and he quickly embraced the gospel.  He started changing... leaving things behind, like alcohol and coffee, and he told us that he just felt good at church.  He felt at peace, different than ever before.  So we invited them to be baptized and they said yes!  It was so incredible to see each one of them leave the water...first Fredy with tears coming down his face, then Martha and then Kamila.  She said to us right after that she had been searching and pleading for God to help her family and then He heard her pleads and sent us.  That moment was so humbling and so special for me.  I love them so much and am so excited for when they can enter into the temple and be sealed forever.  I know this gospel is true momma, I know that God has a plan for each and every one of us and I know that our family will be together forever, that we will see Dad and Grandpa again and we will all just celebrate.  That's all God wants for us... to be happy.  We just have to do our part.  But it is a beautiful thing.  I love you momma, tons.

Cubo

RR

July 9, 2012

Dear Family - HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!  God Bless America!  What a place to be on such a special day...  Along with the month of July, I start to realize that time is running faster and faster - four more months is all I have left to do some very special and important work.  I'm excited to see you all but at the same time, I'm a little nervous.  I just want to be good.  I want to know that God is proud of me and all that I have done.  I just need to keep working hard to the end, keep giving all that I can!  We are having baptisms this week, Marta (Colombia), Fredy (Guatamala), Kamila and Maylis (Honduras).

The Lord is blessing us so much right now and there is nothing sweeter than seeing people who I love, my brothers and sisters change, and accept the gospel in their lives.  I'm so grateful for it.  I know that it is something so special.  This IS God's work, the work of salvation, the work of eternal happiness.  I am so blessed to be a part of it all.  This gospel changes lives, and more than anyone's, it has changed my life.  I'm so humbled and blessed and will forever be indebt to my Savior.  I love you all so much. Thanks for all you do.  Keep praying for Noel and Osiris - that Noel can get his passport from Honduras. I think I may have missed some birthday shout outs, if so - I apologize.  I think I missed Auntie Lisa Lodi.  KC!!!!!  You are coming up.  Nonie!!!!  You are all in my heart!  

 

Cubo

RR