Packed Week

This was a better week. Let's start with that.

We've been meeting with our recent convert, Sergio, some more, and he's doing a little better. He knows we're all good friends, so he's always okay to meet when he's available. We had a silent lesson with him on Thursday, where we watched videos about things like the First Vision and Jesus' calming of the stormy waters. We even wrote down thoughts and prayed during it too. Sergio said he enjoyed it. We hope that he does personal studies and prays when we're not there. What's awesome is that he came to church for a bit! This was the first time he came since I've been here. An awesome member named Samuel Portillo sat with him, and we were thrilled by this. Although Sergio left halfway through the sacrament meeting, it was huge that he came in general. He's been struggling, and now he's made the effort.

We have two friends who are making signs of progress as of this week: Javier Bejar and Rolando! Javier came to the English class twice this week, and he brought his son to one of them - so neat. After class on Friday, he stayed for volleyball. It was neat to see him having so much fun. His English is really good too! As for Rolando, we were able to have a lesson within two or so hours of simply texting him on Wednesday. He happened to be available in his home, and we had a member there too. We were so grateful this member, Porter, could join with less than two hours' notice. This lesson was incredible! We taught the Restoration and how the Book of Mormon is important. Two of Rolando's roommates sat in to listen! I had never met them, so that was a win. We met with Rolando again on Saturday at the restaurant where he works, so we enjoyed that too. We talked as good friends for a bit and ordered some fries. We talked about how we can turn weaknesses into strengths through humility before the Lord. We related this to Rolando by saying he can learn English more efficiently if he includes the Lord in his efforts. It was neat! AND he came to church! So excited about this.

Saturday was just so awesome since I went on an exchange with my zone leader, Elder Larson. He is a stellar Elder - obedient and full of spiritual wisdom. He taught me a lot. Although he kept pointing out that he couldn't understand what I would teach when I spoke Spanish with people (he's an English elder), he connected with our friends so well in the best way he could. He gives 100% of his heart. We met people that haven't been taught in a while, and they let us read and teach a scripture from Mosiah 2:41. We taught the reality of the happiness we receive from our obedience to the commandments. They agreed, and we had great conversation! Turns out they used to live in Chandler, AZ! I told them how special this was since it's where I'm from. This couple was so kind, and they have potential to be taught the gospel. Their names are Luis and Maria.

I have an update on Ruben/Miriam and Alex. Sadly, Alex has been out of contact for a while and hasn't come to the English class. We're not sure what he's been up to. We hope to see him at English class soon. However, Ruben and Miriam are doing well! We didn't meet with them this week, but we will soon. Ruben claims he's slammed with work all this week, but I know we can find time to make it work.

Our branch had a baptism on Sunday! The Spanish Hermanas taught him and got him baptized by a member. His name is Ever Sosa. He is such a happy person, and we're great friends with him. Elder Brown and I confirmed him with other members. We had ALL of the Spanish sister missionaries of the mission there at the baptism! This is because one or both of the missionaries in each of those companionships used to teach Ever and serve in Enumclaw. There are only 9 of them! We were the only two elders, kinda funny. What a special day!

Enumclaw is doing great! Tomorrow, I find out if I leave or stay. Not sure what's going to happen. I just trust the Lord.

Love you all!

Elder Jones