Blessings From Heaven

Hey everybody! Another week has gone by, it is crazy how fast time has been flowing! I can't believe this transfer is almost already over! The next time you hear from me, I may be in a different area of the mission!

So this week we had a couple pretty cool experiences. Last Saturday, the Mormon Battalion historical sight that is in Old Town had its annual celebration to commemorate the pioneers who volunteered to change course on their migration to Utah, and join the U.S. army to march to California, where they helped settle and develop the city! But anyways, they have some really cool activities you can do and learn about the Battalion all at the same time. We were able to take the girl we are teaching, Banessa, to the event as well as on the guided tour they do at the historic sight, and she loved every bit of it!

A little more about Banessa, she is 11 years old, and she lives here in the U.S. with her uncle Niel. The catch is, Niel, does not speak Spanish, and Banessa does not speak English. We found Banessa through the English Elders who are teaching her uncle. But we have been working with her. The first time we met her was early January, and she's been with her uncle since September. She was so excited we could speak to her! But, the most exciting part is that Banessa is a very smart girl and really loves the idea that we have a Heavenly Father that loves us and Jesus Christ, our brother, who has made it possible for us to live with our Father again. She is set to get baptized with her uncle on Saturday! It has been so amazing to see the lives of people, all kinds, come unto to their Savior and find happiness in his gospel.

I have recently finished the Book of Mormon for the second time since I have left on my mission and have started to do all of my Book of Mormon studies in Spanish and it has been a somewhat tough, but at the same time, wonderful experience. It opens up new views to the scriptures and their meanings because of the change in language as you read, and it's wonderful to see that the Lord has provided a way for me to learn and grow in the Spanish language so I can share this wonderful gospel to the Hispanic people. I invite everyone, whether you are of my faith or not, to read the Book of Mormon, study it, and seek guidance for your life as I have done for mine, and if you do so, I promise, you will receive divine revelation sent from our Father in Heaven.

Elder Nate Hanna