Cristian and Mariana

Cameron James Smith

Mon, Dec 24

Dear Mom,

This week was incredibly successful and really really tiring. I'll start with the good:

The Gauna Family

Last Monday we were planning in the morning and felt the impression to go visit an elderly member whose name we found in the ward directory. I ignored the impressions because she lives in a rather dangerous area and we would have to visit her late at night. And she lives far away from the other plans that we had already made. 

BUT, the impression came again so we wrote her name as the last thing on our agenda. 

We went to her house and were surprised to meet the Gauna Family, a family of 18, half of which are members of the church who haven't attended in years!!! They cheerfully received us. 

Four of the children (Nicolas, Elizabeth, Juaquin and Kiara) came to church on Sunday and LOVED IT! We're very excited for them and how ready they are to receive the gospel! I can tell you more about them tomorrow. 

Work, Work, Work: Cristian and Mariana

We've been trying really hard to give everything this Christmas season! In all of the buses, we've been sharing our testimonies of the Book of Mormon with everyone; in all the trains, we've been singing Christmas hymns and inviting everyone to learn more about Christ! 

Although we've never actually taught anyone that we met in the trains and buses, God has guided us through the people that receive us there. On Wednesday, we went looking for a young family that we talked to on the train. All the neighbors said, "oh, they live in the next house. No the next house. No the other next house." Ah! Never found them. It was a fake address. 

BUT, we did find Cristian and Mariana. They are the happiest couple that I have ever met in my mission!!! We knocked on their door and they let us right in! They're very interested in the church and the Book of Mormon! I'll write more about them as they keep progressing!

Tarjetas

On Saturday, President Smith challenged us to invite 300-500 people to church on the 23rd. We worked liked crazy and invited 400 people to church!

The Sun

So, like I said, on Saturday we worked like crazy. Thanks to my good friend, the sun, this Sunday was possibly the sickest day of my mission. Sunburn, headaches, muscle aches, weakness, and exhaustion (I think I was really dehydrated).  But, I got a good nights rest, drank lots of water and now I'm doing well. 

So yep, that was my week!

I love you! Talk to you tomorrow!!!

Elder Smith