Okay friends and family, this week was amazing. You know why? Because we made it that way. Happiness and miracles have abounded as we have physically and mentally put forth effort to notice all of the amazing blessings in our lives from our Loving Heavenly Father. Choose to look up and drink in the blessings that are CONSTANTLY raining down on us from Heaven. The only time we don't notice them is when we refuse to.

So, we had a miracle!! Cecilia and her family, who we have been teaching for FOUR MONTHS now, has FINALLY CHOSEN A BAPTISMAL DATE!!! This family is literally so amazing. Cecilia is in Helaman (over 2/3 of the way through in the Book of Mormon) and her whole family (minus her husband... we are still working on that part) is now working to be baptized on the 28th of February!!!!!!! Literally, we have asked and asked this family, especially Cecilia, if she would commit to a baptismal date, and she would always tell us that she feels that our message is true, but that she wanted to keep studying and reading before she commits to anything. It took her 3 months to even commit to coming to church and when we finally did come, she hadn't even told us she was coming! There have been so many prayers said for this family, both on our part, other missionaries, the ward, and people at home, and they are finally moving toward a specific day to enter into the waters of baptism!
Basically, it makes me want to cry just thinking about it. The gospel is so true.

Besides that, we had an awesome week of finding new investigators as well (which is the hardest part of probably all of missionary work. but it is awesome, too). We found a super sweet mom named Belen (Bethlehem in Spanish) who has the CUTEST five year old son. We are super stoked to teach them more this week and help them start progressing. We also got a lot of referrals this week, which we are excited to contact and see if they are ready to hear the message of the restored gospel! 

Really, missionary work is so amazing. There is nothing that I would rather be doing right now. Yes, I am exhausted like all of the time. Yes, going out in the rain every day is not my favorite, nor trying to find addresses at night because it is so dark and rainy and trees and bushes are just everywhere so you cant ever find the right house. But being able to see the gospel touch the lives of so many, and being able to see people change there lives in ways they never before thought were possible is so incredible. Christ really is there for every single one of us, and you are humble enough, He will work together WITH you to help you also change your life. I know that with all of my heart, and I am so grateful for that knowledge. 

I love you all so very much. Don't ever be the only thing holding you back. Look up, drink in the blessings from Heaven, and trust in the One who loves you more than anything or anyone. You are all so amazing. Seek to serve and love, be a light to others. You will experience more love and happiness than ever before. 

Les Quiero!!

-La Hermana Brooks