November 18, 2013

Greetings from Doral Sur! Bienvenidos a Doral Sur! 

This is my cute Chilean companion, Sister Espinoza. She's teaching me how to say a whole bunch of things in Spanish. I've learned a few lullabies, how to say bum three different ways, and a smattering of other really useful words. Mostly I'm working on my pronunciation and fluidity of speaking. The Spanish down here is CRAZY!!! Cubans are nuts! They are such happy, loud, loving people. They love it when I tell them that I am trying to learn to speak like a Cuban. "Tu sabes la cosa, chica." I'm loving it. 

A list of miracles we have seen:

1. We went through some former investigators records to see if there were some people ready to make this step in their lives. We tried a few with no success. The last one on the list was awesome. We shared a prayer and invited them to be baptized. The man in the room said, "I don't know about them (his sister and mom), but I'm getting baptized. I've been talking to my bishop and it is something we are working towards." Sister Espinoza and I were dumbstruck. What?! His wife and children are members of the church and he is taking the missionary discussions in Naples. We talked to him for a while and he is so excited for his baptism. We aren't sure why, but the ward is waiting to baptize him. He wants it so bad, and now we are teaching his mother and sister. They want to be baptized as well. Turns out, he had given a Book of Mormon to his mom and she is already half way through. It was so wonderful to see. We know that the Spirit led us there and that God had prepared this family for us. 

2. We were knocking doors in a place for a while and saw no success. We decided to change things up and we met the coolest family. The daughter is the most spiritual 15-year -old I have ever met. She wants this so bad. Every time we teach her, the Spirit is so strong. Her mom is also going through so much. She needs this. The daughter, father, and cousin came to church this Sunday. God is being good to us. We've also seen miracles with the member we've brought out with us to these lessons. After a lesson, the member said, "That was good. I've really missed this." I'm so excited for this work to bless members as well as non-members. 

3. Same complex. We invited a man to be baptized and he said yes. Before we could say anything, he said, "When? Where?" Every time we see him HE reminds US that he is getting baptized soon. So cool. 

Anyway, things are looking up. We're getting things moving along, and we've got a lot of potential in this area. I'm glad that the Lord knows me better than I know myself. I never dreamed that I would love Florida as much as I do. This week I have really learned that this is where the Lord wants me to be. This is the perfect mission for me. The people are wonderful! I am so blessed to be here. Me encata Florida Sur! I love you guys!! Keep on keepin' on. The Lord loves you so much!!

Hermana Gardner 

P.S. Tell dad that I have seen no wild pigs and I do not need a pistole. A fly swatter would be helpful. However, I think in some cases, the cockroach might win.