Thanks Lauren for Getting Married

My Sister Lauren and her husband Matthew

This week we were showered in miracles and we concluded that God was very conscious of what was happening in Reno, Nevada this week and blessed us as a result.  Hna Bennett after a truly whack, incredible, indescribable day that fell right on Friday, the 11th, just said "Thanks Lauren for getting married!!!" haha But God blessed us with His tender mercies this week.

August 11th, The Reno Nevada Temple
Since her favorite bridesmaid was missing she filled the day with some pretty cute flower girls

McDonalds and Hermana Ruiz Reunions

We found a whole lot of new investigators this week, and many families who have potential of progressing. We ate McDonalds which is a big deal here and celebrated Hna Bennett's 17 months in the mission! Following which we had interviews with Presidente Allred and it always feel great in his presence. 

I wish I had time to explain every miracle that we witnessed this week but I will begin with Friday. We had lunch with a great member family who have two little girls, 7 and 10 years old, and I just played with them and was struck at how much their sweet relationship reminded me of my sister and I. It was fun to be with them and their sweet spirits. In the afternoon we set out to work. It was cold, rainy, muddy, less than ideal. But we headed to try to find a reference in an area we had not visited before. It was a rather beautiful area, with huge houses and people who had their fair share of plata. We were unable to find the referral but since we had already made the journey we had to knock on some houses. We were welcomed at the first house by an angry dog and an angry owner. The second house an elderly man called out "who's there??" He opened the fence of his house and began to talk to us and felt bad for our being out in the rain so decided to let us in for a hot mate cocido. Shortly thereafter his wife entered and she was just confused, "Why are two young girls in our house??" She said that her husband never lets visitors in. Well, we were able to teach them the restoration and about The Book of Mormon and they said they felt a strong burning feeling in their hearts. We left their house just shocked, amazed at their goodness and at how someone who was well off let us into their home. THEN a few minutes after still trying to find this referral we talked to a woman and she offered to give us a ride home. WHAT?? But she says come inside I am just finishing preparing a soup. So we entered her home and met her kids and her husband. They are catholics and they are a wonderful family!! We briefly explained temples and how families can be eternal. The 16 year old daughter was in awe--
What a beautiful concept!" She said and promised to read the pamphlet we had left her. Then they took us home and we remained confused at the extremely unordinary day we had had in Argentina. We ended the day with brownies and ice cream!

Saturday we had a stake youth activity, mini CCM, preparatory for the mission! The youth were so full of joy and excitement for missionary work. Ludmila was glowing, social and happy! You'd think that as a very new member she would be nervous and shy--but quite the contrary!! She loved the activity and the next  day at church wore her little missionary name tag!! We were able to set out with the youth and contact. Times like these I really reflect on my time as a youth, or in the mtc, or in the beginning of my mission, and I am grateful for the knowledge I have acquired and the strong relationship with my Savior that I have developed through missionary service and preparation.

In the afternoon we got a little lost and ran into a man named Gustavo. He pulled up in his truck right when we were knocking on his door. He explained how a series of events in his life had caused him to see the need for a God. He promised to attend church the next day and he kept his word! 

Overall it has been a great week. God is placing His children in our path. He wants his children to come home, and to live as families eternally in his presence. I know that He lives and loves us and blesses us when we follow His Son, who gave his life for us, His friends! 

Hermana Mathis