BE STRONG AND DON'T BE AFRAID ......

WEEK #31

I just want to sleep for three days straight.....

But don't worry! I'm still rocking it and working hard...just with bags under my eyes..all the time haha. I seriously love reading the emails I get every week. Even though I'm not home, it's so fun to read what's going on! Prom Tay??  I do hope you have fun and I know you're going to look beautiful!! I can't wait to see pictures! 

Mom! I'm so glad you met Kim!!! She is awesome. I miss those girls so much!! They were the best!  Next time you see them give them a big hug for me and tell them hi, especially the little one!!! They are so cute.  I love that you saw them! Aw, I miss all my little babies from work and home and church! 

As for Martorell, it's great. It's really windy here right now, but it's so good. We have a baptism this weekend. His name is Manuel and he is a little old lonely man from Spain. He has changed so much though in the last few weeks. He smiles and laughs and he is happy. He knows it's because of the church and it's amazing to be a part of that. He is so ready and excited for baptism. His only doubt is that the water is going to be cold...hahaah I'm going to make a jacuzzi for him! We had a really spiritual experience with him this week. We were talking about the Plan of Salvation and he had doubts about what was going to happen after this life. I asked him if he would be willing to pray right then to know if it would be possible to live with his family again. He agreed and his prayer was short and sweet. After though, he paused for about 3 minutes with his eyes closed. Hermana Tyler and I just let him have this time. The spirit overwhelmed the capilla (church). When he looked up, he still had doubts, but I knew that he had felt something. I knew that he couldn't deny the truth of what we were saying. Every investigator is going to have their doubts, but it only takes one strong spiritual experience to strengthen their faith. Manuel is ready. He knows and feels the love of God every day. He is a prepared man in our path.

This week was better than last week. Hermana Tyler is feeling better. We had 29 lessons last week! That doesn't sound like a lot, but that was the most in our entire  zone! I am finding my stride as a missionary. I am finding how to interact with the members, and how to teach in a simple way. (well claro because my Spanish is simple so that helps). I really do love this work though. I am tired, and it's real hard to get up sometimes, but I love every minute of it. The members are amazing. I now have three invitations to marry the sons of members who are on missions as well. It's fun though and Hermana Tyler and I have a lot of fun together. 

Speaking of fun, last week we had a really interesting experience. We were contacting outside of the capilla and an old man just came and stared at Hermana Tyler. We had no idea what he was doing!! Then he started to walk away. As we were turning the corner to go home, he was standing in the middle of the sidewalk PEEING!!! Hermana Tyler said "oh my gosh!" like 12 times! I was dying, laughing so hard!! The best was that no one on the street was reacting at all!! It was like it was normal to them!! So funny!!

Also we had zone focus this week. Our zone had the most baptisms of the mission. Our zone is full of character, and it's really fun. Again, Elder Beaton (zone leader) asked me to speak at the conference. This time I spoke about faith. It was good. I like to teach, so I always like to help in any way I can. 

Another funny story. We are having a talent show in our ward and the Relief Society is doing a country dance. They asked us to be in it with them so we went to the practice on Friday night. Let's just say that country isn't the style of Spaniards. It was so funny. Hermana Tyler and I ended up teaching it by the end. It'll be interesting to see what happens on the night of the performance. 

Well that's about it for Martorell. We have some really promising people right now, and we are going to find more. Keep sharing your testimony with those that you know and love. I know this gospel can change even the worst of situations. Spain doesn't have a lot right now, but I have seen the change this gospel makes in the lives of those who are struggling. Be strong and don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe. I love you all and hope you have an amazing week!!!!

AND OF COURSE I DIDN'T FORGET KELLI....I just wanted you to sweat  a little bit!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY OH SO OLD HERMANA!!!! Kell smell I love you and hope that this next year brings great blessings and lots of love...and maybe a baby?? hehe know that I will be thinking of you this week and that you will always be in my heart. Have an awesome birthday!!!

con amor (para siempre)

Hermana Barker