THE GOSPEL IS WORTH IT!

Welcome to May everybody!!! It's 90+ degrees year round here, so I'm just going to assume that it's still July or August two-a-day type of weather everywhere else in the world too! I will NEVER get used to this heat! I pray that each week there is something that can touch your heart or bring the Spirit so that you will be inspired and do something to build your faith in Christ. I love you all!!!

One of the coolest miracles happened Thursday night as we were biking home. It was around nine o'clock, and our last appointment cancelled, but it was too late to go to our backup plan. We decided to head to a potential's house and see if he was home. When we got there, he had just woken up after sleeping all day long. He has switched jobs to a graveyard shift which is why we hadn't been able to contact him earlier that week. It was a miracle that we were able to get there late at night when he was getting ready for work and up and about. He invited us inside and we shared part of the first lesson with him, got to know him better, and set up an appointment for next week. He shared with us how he is working all night in order to save money for school so that he can learn how to make electronic music. He told us how he'll never give up and nothing can shake him from his desire. I thought it was so amazing that he was so committed to something that he loved so much. He has sacrificed his social life, sleep, schedule, and many other things in order to do something he loves. 

I know that if we can start to sacrifice for the right things in life-our Savior-we will develop more of the Christlike love that we need in order to become who He wants us to be. As we work harder to please Him, our goals and desires will truly be what He wants. We will never be disappointed or deceived when we strive to follow Christ and the promptings of the Spirit. I can't wait to help this new investigator understand what will truly give him lasting peace and fulfillment. 

On top of that miraculous visit, we left his house around nine twenty five and continued back on our way home. While biking, a bunch of teenagers gathered outside of a house and jokingly yelled out, "Hey, do you want something to eat?" Elder J and I kept biking and ignored them, but then I decided to turn around and see if they would actually talk to us. I figured the worse thing that could happen would them just going inside and ignoring us. Of course, when we pulled up and said hello, it was very awkward because they certainly didn't want us at their party, and they were doing what most teenagers would do by just joking with us and trying to make each other laugh by yelling at us. 

Luckily, we shared a lot in common and we were able to get to know each other quickly. After a bit we bore a quick testimony and asked if any were interested in our message. It was amazing to see how about 30 noisy teenagers at a party quickly quieted down and listened in silence as I bore testimony to them that the gospel is worth it. This is why we are on this Earth. When I finished, one of them walked out of the group of friends and came right up to us and gave us his phone number. I was so amazed at his courage and desire. I am grateful we stopped and shared our testimonies, even if it seemed silly at first. This same boy ended up bringing his dad and brother to church on Sunday, and we have another appointment this week. I know that the Lord blesses us with miracles each and every day when we sincerely try to do His will and seek out others to share the gospel.

Lastly, I would invite you all to pray a little more sincerely and look a little more closely for ways to share the gospel. While contacting this week, we were at a house and talked to a woman at her door. She started shutting the door and I randomly said "Don't be scared." It was awkward for a second, then we both started laughing and all the awkwardness fell away as she allowed us to come inside with her family and share a little bit. All too often, the people we are teaching or trying to share with are more scared to ask than we are to share. Please open your mouths and give them a chance. I know that you will be blessed whether they say yes or no.

I love you all so much, and I am so excited to share my testimony and miracles with you each week. You are amazing! Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!!  Thank you for your prayers and support!!!!