Salutations,

"Before I give you the miracle story, I have to back it up. We are making knocking doors more of a focus, like we get it in whenever possible even there is something else to do or not a lot of time or just normal missionary life things getting in the way. We have gotten one return cita from all of it, but as everyone else seems to be reporting, the blessings from obedience are flowing in from other directions. Oh, I give you permission to read this to Hna Pace if you would like. You´ll see why :-) We had our first Sunday of 9am church which is quite the feat to get 4 Hermanas to church that early with one shower at a time. But we did our best and after the first hour of church we were talking in the hallway when someone called to us and when we turned around, it was Rosalba! She was supposed to be in Colombia until mid-February, but had to come back early for residency issues. We did not get to see her before she left because she fired on us and then cancelled last minute on coming to the multi-stake conference, but she came to church for the first time in YEARS!!!!!!!! She said she felt like she needed to and told her son to drive her and she looked so good and was SO happy, as was everyone who saw her. It warmed my heart and was one of those moments that made me feel like, ok, we are doing something right and have been visiting the right people and the impressions we have been getting aren´t just from our heads. It was a miracle for me.

Also, Narda was baptized this week and she is so happy. Her Mom hugged me after the service and told me in english (she likes to practice with us, or tell us things she doesn´t want other people to hear!haha) “I am so happy right now. We just have two more sons left.” I think Narda´s baptism and strength will be a turning point for her 2 remaining brothers who are not quite ready yet. It is amazing to see how Heavenly Father guides each step and this family is on it´s way to becoming an eternal one. In my head sometimes it seems tooooo slow, but if I can take a step back and think about the incredible, miraculous things that have happened for them suddenly this past year, things are moving right along on the Lord´s time.

 

Elijorson was able to come to Narda´s baptism because the Bishop went and picked him up. He talks about baptism all the time, but just isn´t ready to set a date and we haven´t been able to figure out why yet. He also doesn´t know how he can get to church because he lives so far away and doesn´t have any money or a job. We are trying to find members with cars who can bring him. We, well I, just need to have patience--story of my life."

The 6th is the BIG holiday here, bigger than Christmas--celebrating the 3 Kings who come and give gifts. Lots of members were upet that it fell on a Sunday, AND that it was our first Sunday on the new schedule--9am. Ouch. Rough for us with 4 Hnas. But it is to get ready for the 3rd ward they are creating at the end of the month and the hours of 2-4pm are sacred mediodía time so no church. Ridiculous, but that´s life. So wards will start at 9, 11 and 3.

We just got back from visiting the HUGE castle in a pueblo called Xátiva...but the joke was on us--it was closed. But it was a good hike and we made it fun. Pics attached.

We have interviews with Pte tomorrow and I am excited. Also, we are having an Hnas Conf in Barç on the 14th-15th so that will be new and exciting and crazy. I don´t think Spain can handle all of us in Barç at the same time...

I don´t know what else to say except that it is weird to be here and now in the mission and kind of indescribable...might not be a real word. I didn't expect it to feel like this and days are flying by and so much is happening and I´m here and a part of it, but not, like I´m a 3rd party observer at times and watching a familiar movie on fast forward. But I am enjoying every minute and trying to take it all in.

Happy New Year´s everyone and what a great year it will be!!!!!!!

Connor and Caleb--take it easy with the meds and don´t drive Mom crazy.ahahaha I wish I was there. Keep sending the pics, I love to see what you are up to.

Hey Mom, any chance of the Christmas tree staying up until, oh--you know--Feb. 7?!  hahaha  Love you all so much and thanks for the emails and love.

-Hna Clarissa Dalton