Buenaaaass Familia!!
Well, this week was an adventure. So, there is this thing called rain out here in Puerto Rico. So, this thing called rain we have. A LOT. There is also a thing called cars. We don't have these, which means that we go everywhere on foot. Here in Puerto Rico it likes to rain, but sometimes there is this thing called "aguacero" which is a downpour of rain. So, here we are just walking along the calles (streets) one day and all of a sudden it starts to rain. And then it starts to aguacero...and we don't have umbrellas because we are really bright missionaries and we forget those sometimes. Well, needless to say, we had no where to go, so we just ran in the direction of a ward member's house. While we were running, a lady called to us from her house and invited us to shelter from the rain. She was so sweet! She gave us towels to dry off while we waited it out. We also were able to teach her a little lesson about our message. She actually asked questions and we invited her to read the Book of Mormon. The rain, in a way, was a blessing because we were able to find someone to share the gospel with.
We also had a great day at church this Sunday because our less active of many years, Ramon, the one who is trying to quit smoking, he came to church again! He is so excited to be at church again. Also, one of the grandkids of our eternal investigator came to church for the first time! He is so ready to accept the gospel. He reads with his abuela (grandma) every night, and he studies the lessons that we teach him so he remembers it. He is GODLEN! And the best part, is he is only 9 years old. Children everywhere, you are never too young to feel the spirit of the gospel in your lives, and you are never to young to follow the commandments of our loving Heavenly Father.
So, this week was also the Fourth of July. Here, they celebrate holidays by going to la Playa (the beach). So, NO ONE was home. We walked the Calles (streets) and some were just plain deserted! They don't have fireworks here, but my companion and I celebrated by having a Hot Dog at a members house.
This week, I read a lot about the Spirit. The Spirit is a spirit who witnesses truth to us, and who bears witness of Jesus Christ and His Gospel. My favorite scripture is John 8:32. Look it up, it's great. It tells us that as we have the spirit with us, we will be set free. How great of a privilege is that?! As we have the spirit, we will be free from the burdens of this life. I know that I feel comfort when I follow the spirit and His guidance. I know that when I feel the spirit, I feel peace to know that what I am doing is what my Heavenly Father wants for me. Listen and look for the spirit in your life. It will be subtle, and it will be small, but when you find it, it will set you free!
Love you all!
Hermana VanKammen
Pictures:
Our 9 year old boy who was so excited to be at church!
Our 4th of July Celebration
Our less active that has come back to church after many years. He even shaved his beard!!
Us with president Zwick and his wife before they left (The big guy is their son. He has special needs, and he has the biggest heart and the biggest love for the gospel)