God Is Good, So Are Tacos

Hey, what's up, my friends? How's everything going this week? How was the 4th of July? I don't know about you all, but I am proud to be an American. I am grateful for this amazing land that God has blessed. We have so many blessings that we take for granted. Remember to pray and give thanks for all the blessings that you enjoy daily. My 4th of July was pretty awesome. We had a normal work day and then just hung out at the apartment and saw some fireworks from the city. I don't know who was running them because they started like 3 huge fires. But nevertheless, it was so exciting!

This week was a good one but a grind for sure. We started the week off nicely with the 4th, and everyone was super happy and excited to see us. I can't count how many fajitas and tacos covered in Pico de Gallo I had this week. Let's just say I am way too down to eat spicy food and talk about Jesus Christ in Spanish. This work is true, no doubt in my mind. We found a lot of new people to teach, and they are definitely down to learn more about the gospel. Let me talk about a few of them...

First off is our friend Maria. Maria is so awesome. She is probably in her mid-30s and has an awesome family. She has talked to missionaries before and loved it, but then those missionaries got transferred and she got lost in the switch. So one day this week, we knocked on her door and were able to spark some interest again. She loves the Book of Mormon and the restoration. We also started teaching the rest of the family as well. All I'm saying is that families are the best way to do it. #familiesaremejor

Second is our friend Dalia. She is super cool and has also talked to missionaries before. She loves the gospel of Jesus Christ and has some of the best questions I've ever heard. She was asking about how we can know which church is true for ourselves. You already know we taught a restoration and gave her a Book of Mormon so she can find out for herself. Funny story with Dalia, it was like 112 degrees or something like that one day and we passed by her house. She got mad that we were on our bikes so she made us get off and take some water. After talking for a while, she brought up my WWJD bracelet I always wear. She said she used to have one but lost it. So in the moment, I was like, well, here, take mine! She was so happy and excited to have one again. God is in the little things; there is nothing better in this life than to help someone smile. Change my mind. Oh wait, you can't.

We also have la Familia Bautista. They are so hype and fed us tacos with some of the spiciest Pico de Gallo I've ever had. But it was awesome; I was out here trying to speak in Spanish while dying from how hot it was. It was a sight to see. Meanwhile, Elder Wahlquist was just sitting there, chilling because he didn't take any of the spicy stuff. This family is super cool and has a lot of potential. I hope they can progress and show their love for Jesus in the right ways.

Last but not least is Margarita. She is so cute; she is 85 years old and is the sweetest lady ever. She has the biggest desire to follow Jesus Christ. She was Catholic, but then they offended her or something, so now she doesn't go... and then we showed up! She is so excited to learn more and to grow her faith. She is one of many elderly people here who don't agree with us riding our bikes in the heat.

So this week I crashed my bike. Yeah, it was crazy; I went down in the coolest way.

Also, took the greenie on an exchange. So, you know, we grinded extra hard that day.

Here in Zapata, we have been having trouble keeping our members active or helping them become active again. The biggest problem seems to be that they do not understand the covenants they have made. Which is so sad. They don't realize the peace and comfort that comes from living those standards worthily. Do you guys realize that we have the Atonement of Jesus Christ to help us in any situation? Being on the mission has taught me so much more about the enabling power of the Atonement. The Atonement can help us move forward; it can help us overcome any obstacle in our lives. Our baptismal covenants help us have full access to the Atonement. I invite you all to read Mosiah 18.

I bear testimony that God is for us. If He is for us, who can be against us? This gospel is true. I know that with my whole heart. If you ever feel down, overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, or much more, just remember YOUR Savior felt that way for you. Specifically for you. He loves us, and so do I. I would love to hear from any of you.

God is good, so are tacos.

Elder Lefler