May 27th, 2013

Hola Familia y amigos!
This week has been a whirlwind of lots of different things.. We've had some of our lowest lows and some of our highest highs. The Lord continues to bless us though and I am thankful for it. We have had to drop a few of our investigators because they aren't progressing and have no desire anymore. We have a really awesome spanish investigator though. Her name is Hermenia. We knocked into her about 3 weeks ago. She said she was catholic and slammed the door in our face. We knocked again and she said that we worship Joseph Smith. Third times a charm.. We set up an appointment with her, with little faith that anything would come of it, but when we went back for the appointment, there was a change in her eyes and she welcomed us in and was very receptive to everything! Ah she's super excited about this Gospel and loved the lesson we had with her on the Plan of Salvation. Hopefully she continues to progress.
After our appointment with her on saturday night, we got a call from the Branch President. He asked if we could speak in church the next day. We debated it for a second, and then felt silly that we even had to think about it. We accepted and he was thrilled.. oh and of course, it was the Spanish branch president. We had 2 hours to prepare a 15 minute talk in spanish. If i didn't have a testimony of the gift of tongues before, i do now. I printed out Elder Holland's talk "we are all enlisted." It was an inspiring talk and i was able to relate it to "the game of life". We have to practice each and every day (reading the scriptures, praying, attending church weekly) if we want to win. (obtain eternal life). Just like in sports, we have a coach, Our Heavenly Father, to help us through our hard times and to celebrate with us when we win and triumph. We have family members in the stands cheering us on. 

it is our responsibility to make them proud. to finish the race. we can't give up. we need to continue through the hard times and come closer to our heavenly father. then, when the time comes, we can win. we can have eternal life and live with our families for eternity. "the greatest gift of God"
But, how fun would it be if we didnt have our family with us to celebrate at the finish line? This is why we need to get involved in missionary work! share the gospel. invite others to have the same wonderful opportunity that you have to know that families can be forever, that you can live with our Savior and Heavenly Father after this life. Especially today, on Memorial Day, my thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones. But through this Gospel, we can find peace knowing that we can live with them again. I love this Gospel with all my heart. I know my Savior lives. I feel my Heavenly Father's love for me each day. I know the Book of Mormon is TRUE. I love being a missionary!
Thank you all for your support and prayers! I miss you and love you all!! Have a good week!!

Hermana Egbert

We had a baptism this week with "Pin Pin" (Manuel Sanchez) who just turned 8! His family is recently back to activity and they are INCREDIBLE. i love them so much.