The Lords House

Primero, antes que nada, quiero decir ¡feliz día de independencia! ¡VIVA MEXICO!

Today is Mexican Independence Day. We haven't done much to be honest. Yesterday, we had to be back in the apartment by 7:30pm. They left off 'el grito' and the people see it as a pretty good reason to get a little crazy so for our safety, we headed to the apartment. Not much goes on here in Juarez culture-wise for el 16. It is a pretty Americanized city. 

This week I did a lot of spiritual growing and had some neat experiences. Last night, we helped a less active member take care of her 95 year old mother. She was so sweet! We fixed up her nails, painted them and shared some stories. It was a tender moment and the room filled with good feelings. 

I also had the opportunity to go to the temple again on Saturday! It was absolutely beautiful and there, I received a lot of answers. I left on a cloud, knowing that the Lord was with me. 

This week I had thought a lot about 2 Corinthians 12:10. 

10 Therefore I take pleasure in ^ainfirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in ^bpersecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am ^cweak, then am I ^dstrong. 

 

I like this one because it reminds me of what Christ did for us. It hit me that only someone (Paul) who had gone through the experience of a mission could so perfectly describe this feeling and so very clearly. Facing rejection and weakness is hard but when we are weak, we are humble. When we are humble, we lean on God. When we lean on God, through Christ, we are changed and strengthened. Welcome the weaknesses! They make you strong. The Book of Mormon prophet Moroni helped me understand this. He explains in Ether 12:27:

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their ^aweakness. I ^bgive unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my ^cgrace is sufficient for all men that ^dhumble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make ^eweak things become strong unto them.  

I also learned that a hot daog, wrapped in bacon and topped with nacho cheese, beans, onions, pickles, tomatoes, jalapeños and homemade salsa is the best hot dog that you will ever eat in your life.  Two friends had started selling them in the neighborhood park and we finally gave in and bought a footlong. Best. Decision. Ever. 

Also, for those who are counting, I hit 13 months on Saturday :)

I love you all. Talk to ya soon!