Happy St Patrick’s Day!

Hey mom. Thank you so much for the email! It sounded like a full but fun week. I truly hope you enjoyed it and made the most of every minute. That's one of my bigger goals right now—the hard times and the easy times. If we aren't trying to find their purpose, then what's the point? I always remember the verse in Romans 8:

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

It's so true! I love this gospel so much! Thank you so much for your testimony at the end of your email. In reality, it was all throughout your email. You truly have such an amazing light, mom!

My week was absolutely crazy! It was a big grind at the beginning of the week with meetings and some dryer, not as productive in the missionary mindset of things. Then it moved to the second half of the week and got crazy! We found and taught a lot of people! I did a lot of baptismal interviews, which was super fun! That's probably my favorite part of being a district leader—getting the chance to see these people be ready for this step! They were all in Spanish too, which was so fun! One of them was an 8-year-old; she absolutely didn't want to be in an interview. It kind of scared her, so we just took a couple of minutes and talked about Jesus Christ and how she wants to follow him. It was awesome; we talked about prayer and she gave the sweetest little prayer to start. I truly felt God's love for these people so strongly!

Then on Friday was the baptism for this family. I was asked to play the piano and it was so fun. I love being able to use that talent and skill I've worked on for so long. While we were waiting for everyone to change, a couple of the little girls came over and asked me to play "Cuando me Bautice" or "When I am baptized." The OG baptismal service song. Keep in mind, this girl isn't a member but was coming to church because the older members of her family were preparing for baptism. We sang the whole song together; I felt the spirit so strong, and it was one of the few times I have cried in a while. It was so pretty and I could just feel God's love there with us. I love my Savior and Father in Heaven; they truly are so merciful. The fact that a 6-year-old girl, who's not even a member of the church, could recognize the spirit was so beautiful to me. We finished, and all the old ladies (that's all the ward is down here) just looked at us with that old lady look they all have. The head tilt and smile.

The next day we went to the temple with some recent converts. It was so awesome to be in that temple. It's so pretty and has such a precious place in my heart. While we were walking into the baptistry, I saw Hugo and Margarita from Zapata! I almost started crying again! Hugo and I embraced, and I just was so overcome with happiness that he was in the temple. I have no words to describe it; I was able to be a part of his baptism and start in the church! Now he's in the temple doing baptisms regularly. This gospel is amazing; I can never doubt that or go back on it! There was a big group there, so I wasn't able to baptize, but they put me in charge of confirmations. I got to do some of them and as well just mark the paper that says it was done. I've realized that the spirit really speaks to me through peace. Ever since I've had these stomach problems, I think God has realized that through peace would be the best way to help me. He speaks to me in other ways still, of course. But I knew that I was doing what was right because the moment we went into the temple and passed the recommend desk, I had no problem with my stomach or anxiety. The peace that comes from Jesus Christ cannot be matched with anything worldly.

On Sunday, we had some friends come to church again! Our friend Lucia came, and she wants to move her baptismal date sooner, so we moved it to the following Sunday after church! It was so awesome to see her be with the members and just fit right in! Our friend Eric came as well. He's super cool and is now reading the Book of Mormon!

Mom, I loved Come Follow Me this week. There was so much good; it was almost overwhelming. One of my favorite verses was a very popular one, 2 Nephi 26:33:

"For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile."

Our Savior is always inviting us to come unto him. That's been one of the biggest lessons I've learned here. No matter what's happened in our lives, he just wants us. Our hearts, our desires, our willingness to change. When we give him that, he changes our lives. We are always partaking of his goodness, and when we take the time to realize that, it takes on a greater meaning in our lives!

I just want to bear a simple testimony, mom. I know our Savior lives; he loves us so much. He truly suffered for our sins in that garden. He rose again and because of that, we all will. That is the greatest blessing to me, that we all get to live together again. I know this is his church; it all lines up perfectly. Spiritually, I know it's true because of the spirit. I am so grateful for this chance to be here and testify of Christ!

I can't wait to talk today, mom! I love you!

Love, Elder Lefler