January 20, 2010

Hola!I hope that all is well at home! The weather here has stayed fairly warm this week. The snow continues to slowly melt, but leads to pretty slippery evenings once it freezes again. The days have been around 40 probably and sunny most of the time. Someone said that this might stick around for a while longer and we probably won't get anymore snow until February. The weather here definetely is different. But, Calgary is known for its unpredictable weather. We had some pretty spiritual experiences with many of our investigators this week. We were able to find jobs for two couples from Mexico through a member. I think this opened up their hearts and they really felt we're there for them to help them and love them. We felt inspired to teach a family about eternal marriage and the blessings for their family and I think it really invited the spirit. They seemed commited to really read and pray with serious intent and hopefully their hearts will be softened. Gustavo is still progressing well. The spirit is teaching him and changing his heart. He has chosen to avoid friends from his past even though it's been hard for him. He's realized the need to be in good circumstances to keep himself free from temptation. He's having trouble finding a job and the Government is cutting off his support next month, but he still remains strong and recognizes that trials are for his benefit. He told us this week that before he could be at a party or with a bunch of people and still feel alone, but now he can be alone in his room all day and know that there's someone always with him-that he's not alone in the world. We also had a great miracle yesterday. We had recieved an address from a member in the southern part of the city for a house of some spanish speaking people. We decided to knock on the door last night and found 4 Mexicans that arrived on Friday to Calgary. THey let us right in when they opened the door- probably more because we were white guys speaking spanish than anything. We were able to then teach 3 of them a message about the restoration and they were so excited that we got a return appointment for tonight. We've arranged to bring a couple members who can hopefully be an immediate Latino support group and friends here in Calgary for them. We had set a goal this week for 3 new investigators this week and the Lord blessed us with this miracle. We were so excited and immediately said a prayer of thanks to Heavenly Father. Thank you for all the love and support. I know that these miracles are an answer to the prayers of all of you at home as well!This weekend in the ward, we have a wedding and then baptism for a couple and one of their friends. They have been coming to church for about 4 months and finally decided to take the step of baptism. We are praying that all goes well as we lead up to the weekend. We should be starting to do some volunteering at English classes soon and the ward has successfully started soccer games on Saturday morning in the gym at the stake center. We unfortunately aren't allowed to play sports at all unless it's Preparation Day anymore, but were able to stop by and there were 3 non-members there this past Saturday.With the help of the Lord, everything is going well. We feel very blessed for the success we're able to be a part of. Elder Galloway is great and it's been fun to work with him.Thank you again for all the love and encouragement!Con Amor,Elder Dunlap