Hit my 8 month mark!

First off, yesterday I hit my 8 month mark here in Russellville. I think my church records have been permanently moved to this ward.... (I hope saying this doesn't curse me because next week is transfers. Noooo...)

It has been a fantastic week. The weather has been absolutely perfect, which made working that much greater! 

Last Monday we had a lesson with Arissandra. We didn't have a car and we needed a ride so we asked an English member to come with us. (long story short, because she is single and doesn't do FHE in the summer) Obviously, she doesn't speak Spanish but that didn't matter. We were able to translate a few things for her, as she felt impressed to say them.She was able to share such a personal experience that brought the spirit to the lesson. I was again reminded that even though we may not be able to speak the language very well, or at all, the spirit is a universal language and can speak to all. 

We also had another lesson with this young 17 year old that wants to be a pastor/preacher. The previous times we have met, have been quiet, um... the lessons. Crazy. This time he wanted to meet with us again, we were advised to take the elders so he couldn't intimidate us. We decided to take a member who is pretty knowledgeable in the gospel. It was perfect. Not because she could sit there and prove him wrong, that is not Christ-like (which she told him that), but she was able to control the situation and we were able to teach by the spirit! There were still things we didn't agree on, but having that member there to keep things 'calm' was so needed! I'm so grateful for members! More importantly, I'm so grateful for the spirit, and the pure testimony I can share everyday that touches peoples hearts more than anything else! He will find this truth, it might just take time!  

This week my companion and I were working a lot on teaching by the spirit, recognizing the spirit, and obeying the promptings of the spirit. This is the Lord's work we do, and we must do it in His way. Focusing on this has made such a difference. It has helped us to have more powerful lessons, even if they are just for 2 minutes outside in parking lots. It has helped us be in the right place at the right time, and we are seeing the work move forward. I LOVE being a missionary. I know I probably say this every single week. It is so true. 

Other moments from the week:

-We went and visited this member in a rest home and she started telling us she has given up and she wants to die. She told us who she has chosen to do her funeral stuff. So sad. I hate to see people in so much pain and for them to have no hope. 

-Played soccer and basketball with the Spanish branch. SO FUN. It just so happens that almost every week my companion and I are late, because we were at other lessons, and we are always the first  to leave, because we turn into pumpkins after a certain hour... but... every time as soon as I walk in, the members yell for me to be on their team. Then they yell non-stop the rest of the time.. "Warner, Warner, Warner" for me to pass the ball, for them to give it to me, for me to defend, to shoot, or simply because they think it's entertaining. It's gets very competitive sometimes! 

-We went to some very good restaurants with members this week. We got fed more this week, than any week before, including when we got fed 3 times for Thanksgiving. Listen up... We went to Colton's BBQ (It's like Texas Rode House), Dixie's Cafe, Pizza Hut (who knew they had sit-down), and Las Palmas. PLUS.. amazing homemade food by the members. I had Chocolate gravy which is a southern specialty. They put them on their biscuits. So good. Plus, tamales, and papusas. AH! The members show us their love by feeding us. We had 9 people want to feed us dinner in the past 2 days. We were able to make it to 6 of them. Yes. I have had 6 dinners in the past 2 days. 

-Funny moment: You know you are missionary when you ask, "Ma'am, Can I have another referral?" instead of "Ma'am can I have another refill?" (for a drink) Yep, just a little awkward.  

well, I think that's about it! I love you all. I have the greatest family and friends in the world!! 

Hermana Warner

That sign: we didn't read it until we knocked on their door. ooops. They weren't there though so we got a picture of it!