September 10, 2018

Road to Santiago

Buenas tardes por la última vez de España,

To think I’ll see you all next week is just crazy to me, but I know that the timing of my mission, from start to finish, has been perfect. Breaks my heart to say goodbye to this gorgeous country, but I know the best is yet to come. And the future is as bright as my faith.

It is kind of romantic that I spent my last preparation day where millions of people hike and trek to every year: Santiago. The road to Santiago. 

Part of the trail is in our area, so we´ve met a number of people doing it. And as grand as the cathedral was, I am 100 percent certain that the journey was the most beautiful part. And that is how I feel about my mission. That it is in the journey, not the destination. It is about soaking in the moment and helping each child of God take their first little wobbly steps of faith and rejoicing with them. I love being a missionary, and thankfully, it´s not over yet. Nor will I ever be. I have been forever changed. 

As I was writing my last letter to President, the word that just kept repeating itself is joy. I have found so much joy in the work. Of course, it´s been hard and everyday brings new challenges, but I can gladly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment and I am and forever will be grateful for the challenges, because that is what has changed me forever. 

I love Vigo, and I am thrilled to report that though my time here is very short, I am leaving the area better than I found it. Yesterday, I was looking at our 6 friends who were there with us and just admiring the amazing leaps of progress they´ve made!! I feel so grateful to have met and learned from and with every single one of them!

First, Jorge. I love Jorge. He is an elderly Spaniard man, and is always helping us expand our vocabulary. We met him on the street about a week and a half ago. He is evidence to me that it is never to late to accept the gospel. He is diligently reading the Book of Mormon and he came to church for the first time this week and loved it. He has very strong feelings against a certain church that is very prominent here, but he was cheerfully participating in Gospel Principles and really enjoyed the meetings. Little by little he is growing his faith to be able to change and be baptized. 

Second, Pedro. He is remarkable and so so funny! Oh, I just die. But he is also truly converted. I look forward to Skyping into his baptism September 29th, along with Margarita and Alice. 

Wow!!! Margarita and Alice are both finally making the effort to read daily and they are glowing with their progress. I am so happy for them. This week we talked about the restoration, and the spirit was so strong. Alice, even with just 11 years old, was asking amazing questions and Margarita said, ´Before when the missionaries invited me to conference, I was not interested at all to just here another talk. But now I know that these men are apostles of God, and like the apostles in the Bible, they have direct connection with God. Next time I will be there on the front row!´

Rafael and Rosmery are right there as well. Rosmery fasted and they both are so so close. We fasted with them this week and it really helped them! I know that the power of fasting is true. 

In fact this whole transfer, I have prayed daily and fasted, so that I may be able to help 4 people be baptized. Last week, I got to skype into 2, and this Saturday I get to fly into to Barc to see Virginia in Hospitalet AND Carolina and her son Saul from my time in Barc 3 be baptized. God heard and answered in a very unexpected way and blessed me to see 5 of my very dearest friends finally take the leap of faith. I am just so full of JOY and gratitude and could not be more grateful for the abundance of blessings that God continues to pour over me. It is especially dear to me to see Carolina because I have been with her and helping her even after I left Barc, I was prompted to reintroduce her to the Elders that are now there, and just continue to fight with her through all the incredibly hard trials she has face. I love her so much! She is like a sister to me. 

We had a crazy week with two trips to the hospital, but Hermana Palmer is doing much better and is a warrior. She is so diligent and determined. I just adore her. 

But yes, I hope you all know how much I love you and how grateful I am for each and everyone of you. I have felt so much love and support throughout my whole mission. 

I know my Savior lives. He provided the way, and the only way, to have true, lasting happiness as families. And I will follow Him.

See you soon,

Hermana Read

Mosiah 23:10 

Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made me an instrument in his hands in bringing so many of you to a knowledge of his truth.