July 21st, 2014

Familia!

    Wow. Another week already? We had 3 Zone Conferences this week as well as an exchange with a companionship of sisters in San Antonio. I was able to go on the Air Force Base and see how the sisters work there. It was the neatest thing! I feel almost spoiled for being able to be at all the Zone Conferences.. listening to our leaders, giving trainings and hearing from President Slaughter. I learned more and more every time. President Slaughter is a man called of God. He speaks with power and helps us to become the missionaries that the Lord would have us be. I think I mentioned it last week, but he gave a few trainings, one of them was the importance of the Gathering of Israel. After hearing it 5 times, I feel like I finally understand it, and its importance. Elder Bednar gave a talk a few years ago and said "becoming a missionary is directly related to understanding who you are as the seed of Abraham." Never before did I understand the importance of understanding who we REALLY are. We must "know who we are and act accordingly". After studying the topic all last week, I went and read my patriarchal blessing. The Spirit was strong and helped me to see and feel who I truly am. This gospel is amazing!!

Our area is doing well. We are in and out a lot, but the Lord is providing a way for us to continue working and see success. We are teaching 2 families and are working with a few part member families. They are all preparing to be baptized in August :) Yesterday at church, we were talking to Luis and were trying to set up a time to meet, but he told us he had an interview with the Bishop. I asked him if he was going to receive the priesthood and he said "I did last week!" He said his interview this week is to get his temple recommend so he can take his own family names to the temple on August 9th! He faced a lot of trials after his baptism in January, but has kept strong and is doing great. Erika and all the other recent converts are doing great as well. Rocio continues to amaze us each time we visit her. She asks for pamphlets and Book of Mormons every time so she can give them to people who come to her salon. She has a testimony that will never be shaken. I love these people so much.

We met at President's home last night to discuss the past few weeks. We talked about the things we have learned. 4 of the 8 of us missionaries that were there last night are going home in 2 1/2 weeks. We talked about what we will face when we go home, how to continue in the faith, and the next covenant we will all be making in the near future :) I can't believe it's gone by this fast. I was thinking back on some of the experiences I have shared and stories I have sent home in my e-mails.. More than anything, I pray that y'all know that I know this church is true. Joseph Smith restored the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth. I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. He lives. Salvation comes through Him and in no other way. President Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today. We can live with our families forever as we continue "firme en la fe." How blessed we are to live at this time. I never imagined it would be this amazing. I don't have the words to explain it! I will forever "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh [me] a reason of the hope that is in [me]" The Church is true. I am overwhelmed with the joy that comes from living the Gospel. Go share it with somebody :) I love y'all, have a great week!!!

Con Amor,
  Hermana Egbert

 Exchanges with Sister Fitisimanu

On the Road again :)