Back in Saurez

Dear Mom and Family,

You will not believe the call that I got on Monday night. 

Elder Stokes and I were finishing up a lesson in the San Fernando chapel and my phone rang. It was Presidente Smith... Cutting straight to the chase like President always does, he told me, "Elder Smith! We've made a change to your transfers. You will be returning to Jose Leon Suarez with Elder Dominguez to open a new zone!!! Are you excited?" I was pretty surprised but accepted the assignment (I had been assigned to a different area just four days earlier and was expecting to go there, come Tuesday). 

First day with Elder Domínguez

So, yep, I'm back in Suarez!

This week has been fun seeing everyone again, seeing all of the progress that they've made. On Saturday night, I got to go on visits with Hermano Ruben Peña, a member who got baptized when I was here with Elder Ryan. I've also got to reconnect with the Maza family, the Romero family, the Seco family, the Baez family, and many many others. It feels like home away from home. 

The hardest day of my week was Tuesday. I felt so sad to leave the families that I love in San Fernando and at the same time so anxious to be reunited with those that I love in Suarez. Thinking straight was challenging until we got out into our area and started working. 

Early in the week, we met a young man from Paraguay named Rodrigo. The family Baez introduced us to him and we started teaching him about the Book of Mormon. He's very open to learning about God and accepted a baptismal date for the 17th of November. 

We're excited to have lots of success here. The members of the church here are the best! 

I was reading this week in 2 Nephi and loved this prophecy:

"And behold, according to the words of the prophet, the Messiah will set himself again the second time to recover [the people of the Lord]; wherefore, he will manifest himself unto them in power and great glory..." (2 Nephi 6:14). 

The Book of Mormon has so many promises for our days! I pray that I can be worthy to see the fulfillment of these great promises. 

I love you all! Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Un abrazo gigante, 

Elder Smith