June 13, 2013

Dear Mom,

How are you doing? Its good to hear that things are heating up there. Things are going good here. We didn't have our baptisms this week but we´re shooting for this Saturday. I am working really really hard and my comp is too and we are working smart as well (working with the members). I know that we may not be having as much success as i would like as far as baptisms but we are doing some great things (especially in helping the ward adjust to a new bishop and with helping other missionaries) and i know that the efforts are not in vain and that God can magnify my efforts far beyond my own ability.

We are working with the saravia family (that called you and the little girl in the dress with me in the picture i sent). And they are really really special. They have come a long way but they have been having a hard time lately b.c. the dad that has lived in Las Vegas for the last 8 years (hasnt even met the youngest daughter) in evangelical and has told them that they cant get baptized and that they cant even go to church with us any more. He says that if they get baptized it will be the end of their family and that he will no longer exist to them and wont send them money. Its been really hard for them b.c. they have a lot of doubts now. I know that they know that the gospel is true but they are filled with fear. The mom says that she doesnt even care if he ever comes back but that she just needs the money he sends them. Its really really tough but we´re going to keep working with them every once in a while and fast and pray for them. I know that they are going to get baptized. I just dont know when and i hope they dont miss their opportunity.

Also this week my Elder Phillips went on divisions with some members to teach the husband of a member. He was born and raised in Korea and speaks broken spanish. He goes to a korean christian church here but i think that its mostly just a social thing so he can talk and socialize with people that speak his language and understand his culture (there are actually quite a few koreans here). Were going to back this week and eat Korean food with them (he wont eat guatamalan food) and hopefully it goes well. You should tell page and see if she can email some pictures of korea that she took. I dont know what part he´s from but i´ll find out.

This week we also helped with the baptism of a little 8 year old girl who´s parents we´ve been helping to stay active. Her name is Jasmin and she is such a special little girl. We did a family home evening with them last week and she had alma 32:21 memorized to teach about faith. She is also very caring and after here baptism she was getting chairs for everyone and cleaning up and looking after little kids. I gave her a CTR ring and one of the bunnies you send me for easter and she was very very grateful. She even brought the bunny with here to church. After i gave here the stuff she kept looking at me with a big beautiful smile on her face. Well if you cant tell im absolutely in love with the little girls here in Guatemala and i really dont know what i´ll ever do without them.

Well i love you all very much and i am very very thankful for all of your thoughts and prayer. I am working to be a better missionary every day. Work hard always. Oh and also make sure heath gets his eagle.

love,

Elder Vincent

Pray for the De Paz family please.