Week of April 13, 2017

Buenos dias! 

Another great week gone here in el CCM and im half way! Can you believe it?! I still have so much to learn but at the same time i really just want to get to Barcelona and have trial by fire, especially with the language hahaha. I absolutely love the people here in Spain! I talked to some awesome amazing people in the park and on the bus. I really worked this week on being peoples friend, so some people weren't interested at all, but I just loved them. I talked to them and left them with pics of temple and Christ or pamphlets. Semana Santa makes giving out pictures of Christ super easy hehe

Right now we are in the middle of Semana Santa and everyone tells us to go to the processions, they are really spectacular. People love semana santa, and im stoked for next year when i can see all of it! As far as i know easter for me will be just another day, but in the city theyll have a big precession. Some pasos are from the early 1600s. So crazy.

This week was packed full of leaning, because there was some huge changes, well huge for me. My life consists of about 40 people here so when half of that changes its pretty crazy. My dear friends serving in russia shipped out on Tuesday, and we got two districts of native spanish speakers. Its been really good because it forces us to try. I think its awesome and exactly what i need. I learned just how real the gift of tongues is when i couldn't understand or say anything too them, but on the metro, in the park, and in lessons i´m able to get most everything and say a fair amount too. hahaha, but good news its getting better. It helped humble me and make me want to work that much harder.

Speaking of companions, our trio split. Which is happy and sad. One girl that was supposed to be with us the whole time just got her visa and arrived tuesday. she is awesome. Her name is Sister Hargis and she is from AZ. She´s been visa waiting at the provo MTC. she is now comps with Sis Leong. I love my sweet sister leong, she is a crack up, but some days, or everyday trio planning was hard... we finally were getting better and more united, but that's okay! I also love Sis Gratzl and im glad i get to stay with her :)

My district is great. The elders are funny guys. But we've all gotten a lot closer, its been sweet. 

Saturday in the park was another amazing day. My companion and I were definitely guided by the spirit, we found so many prepared people. 2 junior high aged kids were super interested and took book of mormons. I wish with all my heart that they open it and read it, because it will change their life and their eternity. I LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON! One girl we found was this sweet asian woman, she was taking a pic of the gardens, so we offered to take one of her in it, then she wanted a pic with us hahaha. She is from china studying abroad and is learning spanish as her second language. Her friend who knew a bit more spanish come over and translated a bit for her into chinese and I was translating to english for my Finish companion. it was pretty miraculous. But ultimately it was the language of the spirit, because after that we had an awesome conversation about... actually i can't remember what we actually said now that i think about it, haha, but the spirit was so strong and  was able to speak through both 3 (or for my park comp from Finland 4) different languages!! It was incredible! She took a book of Mormon and pamphlets and was so excited to learn more. A similar thing happened with some french people. It was awesome! We also got her contact info.

I know this is Gods work and im so grateful He called me and prepared a way for me to be here. I love spain with all my heart! Cheer for Barcelona for me ;) I know he lives! Remember Him, especially this easter sunday. We have a special opportunity to remember him and I am so thankful. "I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me" I learn more about Christ every single day. I know He lives and loves us!!

Love you all! Wishing you the best easter and the best week!

Praying for you all!

Hermana Read