Wednesday morning we visited the Martinez Family. They are a less active family that just moved here to Nogales. Sister Martinez has one of the strongest testimonies Iv'e ever seen and Brother Martinez is full of faith. Sadly, he doesn't have much of a testimony. We talked about strengthening your testimony and gaining a personal conviction. They also had several questions about the temple and vicarious ordenanzas. This was one of several moments this week where talking about eternal families helped people understand the gospel and prepare themselves for the next step forward.
Later in the week we were talking with Sergio and his girlfirend. He's a less active that contacted us in the street one day. We stopped by and since he plays piano he taught me a thing or two while we taught them a thing or two about the gospel. While talking with his girlfriend the topic of eternal families came up. She opened up like never before, shes always been rather quiet but the topic of eternal families just rang home to her. We talked with them about the basics of the gospel and how that prepares you to have that eternal family. This moment was one where I could really feel the Spirit helping me know what to say, how to say it, and what to do. It was actually one of the best lessons I've had in a long time and whats more, Sergio and I are preparing a special musical number to play at church one of these days.
Friday we had exchanges and I wasn't in my area. While I was away the Lopez family went with my companion and district leader to visit the Gonzalez. While there they talked about marriage and eternal families and it touched their hearts. Carlo is now actively preparing to be married and baptized to prepare for that goal of an eternal family. Honestly, the whole thing would have been incredibly difficult had the Lopez not been there. They testified and explained the blessing they've had and are helping and supporting the Gonzalez in their goals. Members are truly key in the work.
One more thing to add. A recipe. One of the easiest breakfasts ever and it's delicious.
Take about 9 corn tortillas and cut them in to rectangularish pieces. Not too big. Lightly fry them in oil with a bit of salt. Drain off the excess oil then crack in four eggs. Mix them about a bit but don't over scramble. Put on the lid until the egg is cooked then pour in tomato sauce. Sprinkle on cheese and once again put on the lid till the cheese is melted and gooey good. Serve it. Love it. Repeat.
Go out and have the best week of your life. Get better every day. That's kinda the point. We all keep making mistakes, just don't make the same ones over and over again! Make every day something special and have the best day every day. For thanksgiving really appreciate what you have and look for a way to share that with someone else. I miss you all tons, love you more, and wish you the best!
Love,
Elder Smith
A really nice view of the city at night on our way home.
Carlos finally accepted a baptism date for the 26th of december which means he will need to get married before then. We will be having a blast working out the details but I'm stoked for the whole family. If the certificate turns out to be a problem we will find a way to get it through.
The christmas vibe is here but not as strong as I'd like. We decorated the apartment and have been listening to Christmas music since ... really since I started the mission hahaha... but there are a few houses here and there with lights and good stuff like that. Lots of tamales and pozoli and menudo to come soon. I miss all the Christmas goodies like toffee and what not. I'd try to make it here but finding real butter is super super hard and it just wouldn't be the same. I settled for boiling a can of sweetened condensed milk to make a caramel like substance.
