Trials and miracles.

Spanish is getting better for sure! Its been a really up and down week! The beginning of the week we had tons of miracles and then towards the end of the week everything fell apart. I'm finally getting what people say about this whole "missions are hard" thing. We spend our entire day knocking on doors and people are annoyed that we are there, dont want to listen, or listen and tell us to come back but arent home. we had an experience with an investigator this week. he has a baptismal date but he is kinda back and forth but we had a miracle with him and I told him give me your cigarettes and he did and he prayed for the Lords strenght. It was such a miracle. The Spirit was so strong and he was smiling so big. I have never seen him smiling like that before. I know he could feel that this was right and he felt liberated and wanted to do better. The next day I gave some mentos  and a stack of cards I made with scriptures on them to help every time he wants to smoke. then he has been avoiding us since then. Wont answer our calls or texts or the door when we are there. Saturdaywe thought we finally had him cuz when we walked up to his door we saw him watching tv. We knocked and rang the doorbell and called him and knocked more for probably 15 minutes. We could see him looking through the peephole and not answering. it was so frustrating. other things liket that happened this week when we would have a super strong spirtiual experience with people and then they would commit to living the gospel and then didnt show up at church and wouldnt answer the door when we went to their house, even when we could see them inside and waved at them. ugh. its hard. but I know that the Lord blesses us with trials to grow. I also know that satan tries his hardest whenever he knows we are about to prove to be disturbers of his kingdom so I know that good things are going to come from this. Its been hard. But my comp is awesome and we have zone conference tomorrow so we will see the mission president and I get to see Elder Barrio my friend from the MTC and he always has soemting to say to make me feel better. I dont want anyone to feel bad for me! It was a little discouraging but I am feel at peace in my heart. My Heavenly Father sent me here, and He will not leave me alone (John 8:29ish I think). I love the Gospel and I cant keep it inside of me. I was reminded of how powerful my simple testimony can be in bringing the Spirit last night. We contacted a potential last night and I could tell he could feel the truth of our message through my testimony. he committed to pray. The way I get up the courage to try to jump into the conversation and try to tell someone, in Spanish, about the truth of the Gospel, is that I picture them in the baptismal font, and the joy that will bring to there life. And thats what I remember every day.

Love,

Hermana Hurley