Sept 9: Ambato and Dunks

This week was incredible. We had the privilege to have the baptism of Gladys on Saturday. She asked me to baptize her, and it really was an honor. Her whole family came to watch it, and also the family of Lincoln and Norma. We asked Gladys to share her testimony on what she's learned and how she feels after being baptized. She goes up and explained that her life was so full of difficulties and challenges she didn't know what to do. She has a lot of debt, she doesn't have a job, she's pulled herself away from God. But one day everything changed when 2 young kids knocked on her door and were very persistent on having her come to church, read the "Book of the Mormons" (as she said) and get baptized. She began to cry and honestly, I'd lie if I said I didn't tear up. Her testimony was so powerful and was so pretty. The changes she's seen is such a short small-time are amazing, and those difficulties and challenges she once had are completely destroyed thanks to the love and happiness she's feeling from Jesus Christ and his restored church.

Her testimony is a witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ, no matter what we face in life, will shape and change anyone's life. I know this to be true because I've seen it in my life, in my family's, friends', and especially those that were so desperate for help. If we really apply the teachings of Jesus in our life we will see millions of miracles and we will see the Lord's helping hand in our life.

I will be leaving Los Chillos and will be heading to Ambato which is 2 hours south of Quito. It's supposed to be super cold, which I'm so happy because I hate the sun. I really am so grateful for the time I've had here in El Valley De Los Chillos. I've learned so many incredible things like how to work with members, reactivate members, and come to love each and every single one of them. I am very sad to leave this place, I still remember when I got here, I hated it and my grandpa told me that one day you will leave and you will miss it. And now, knowing that I'm leaving, I'm really sad. But I know the Lord's plan is perfect and I fulfilled my mission here, and now it's time to gear up and head to Ambato - Let's go!

-Elder Rich

The Rodriguez family from Venezuela

Spent the evening for Norma's Birthday

Glayds!

With her family

She killed two rabbits and cooked them for us

The Amett Alcendra