Week 98

Hey everyone!

These past few weeks have been going by really fast, and it's not funny anymore. I have been trying to enjoy every little second I have out here. It's been working, because I've sure had a lot of fun!

Our friend Crystal unfortunately had to take a break for a while, but just a few days ago, we committed her to be baptized again! She will be getting baptized on either the 21st or 23rd of July, and man, I am so excited. We have been working closely with her and her family to help them grow closer together and rely on one another more. Crystal's countenance has changed ever since we began to teach her. She is opening her heart to Jesus Christ and becoming more like Him. She is so cool and full of charity. I cannot wait to see her make that covenant right before I return home.

I participated in a lot of exchanges this past week, which is always a blast. We had some cool experiences and a lot of success! One of my exchanges took us downtown for a little bit to visit some people who haven't been responding to us for a while. We went down there, and after leaving a building, we saw these two guys chasing and screaming at this homeless man. The best way I could explain the attitude and mannerism of this homeless man is by bringing your thoughts to the movie "Over the Hedge." There is a squirrel in that movie who drinks an energy drink and goes berserk; that is how I would describe him. We approached closer, and on my left is this woman who is not dressed modestly in the slightest and begins to show me this knife. She goes, "He tried to stab us with this knife right here, but I kicked it out of his hand before he could!" My companion and I looked at each other like, "Oh boy, we need to leave." So I asked them if they had called the police, and they looked at me like I was some sort of genius. Then, they proceeded to call the police and asked us to stay, but I told them absolutely not, hahaha. What a fun experience! I love being here in Reno.

As a part of one of my exchanges, I got to go to my first area here in Reno! I was able to stop by the girls who I worked closely with and helped get baptized. We took pictures, and man, they've gotten so much taller! I will include them in this email, but it was just so good to see them.

Our neighbors here in the complex sent us a text a few days ago and asked if we wanted to come over for some cake they had saved for us. We went over and talked for a bit as we shared the cake they had for their little girl's birthday. They seem to see a light in us – how we are kind, warm, welcoming, and helpful. It's been so much fun trying to emulate the Savior in His actions and having people be inspired to follow His example too. Of course, I am far from perfect, so I don't always come off that way, but when I do, I can notice the difference. Also, free cake is always a win, so I can't complain.

This past week, I finished reading the Book of Mormon in both English and Spanish. I've thought so much about how lucky we truly are to have this additional witness of the Savior. I am grateful for what I've learned about Him, His nature, His characteristics, and His teachings. There's so much information available at our fingertips, so much that it can sometimes be overwhelming. Sometimes, we don't know if we can rely on all the information that is thrown at us all at once. I am grateful that I can go to God and ask Him myself if something is true. I have a firm and solid testimony that He answers questions and helps us recognize and learn the truth. The Book of Mormon is amazing; I highly recommend checking it out. Anyways, I love God and this work! The Last Ride must continue! Have a good week, y'all!

Moroni 10:4-5

"And when you shall receive these things, I would exhort you that you would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if you shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, He will manifest the truth of it to you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost, you may know the truth of all things."