It was great to hear that your fourth of July week was great! And that your birthdays were fantastic as well! Haha, I´m a little jealous of the bike ride that you got to take on Friday, but I´m so glad that Aubrey has gotten so good at riding her bike! I can´t wait to get back and see that!
My Fourth of July was also fantastic. Haha, to celebrate, Elder Gentry and I bought popsicles and watermelon for lunch. :) That was definitley fun. That night was the Brazil vs. Columbia game, and to answer your question, the world cup has been very good here! Haha, everyone was a little disapointed that Spain was eliminated so quickly, but there are quite a few immigrants here, so everyone roots for everyone else pretty much. The closer we get to the final, the lower number of people that can meet and are out in the street, so during games, the missionary work gets a little harder. But we definitley saw a miracle on Friday night during the game! We were out contacting, talking to many a drunk person, and not having too much success, when we came upon an older Canarian couple named José and Carmen. They were very nice to us, and they told us that they had talked to missionaries about 10 years ago. They also told us that they are both dealing with sickness right now, and it has been very difficult for them. We testified to them that our message of Christ could really help them. As we finished, José said they needed to be on their way, but as they left, Carmen said, "Give them our address, so they can pass by." Haha, when we heard that, we were elated! We met with them for the first time yesterday, and it was an amazing experience. Carmen answered the door, and imediatley said, "Come in! Sit down, sit down!" José had quite a few questions for us about God´s plan, and we were able to teach them about the plan of salvation, but most importantly, we shared a message about Jesus Christ from Alma 7:11-12. By the end of the lesson, Carmen was crying, and I could really feel the spirit testify to us of the mission of Christ. As we left, Carmen wanted to give us a kiss, but I guess a handshake will have to do.
We also met yesterday for the last time with Damian and Solange. It was a really good lesson where we were able to talk about the goals that they have for when they leave for Argentina. I was actually surprised about how not sad I was, (if that makes sense). I really feel like I will be able to see them again. These past couple of months that we have had with them have been amazing. I really saw how much the gospel has helped them in their lives. Damian was able to quit smoking. Solange was able to forgive her family for an argument they had been in for years. But, more importantly, they were able to gain an eternal perspective on their family. They are very excited to go to Argentina to get married and baptized, and I am very excited to see their progress! The had of the Lord has really had a great impact in their lives, and I am so grateful that I was able to witness that.
We have been visiting a Family that lives in the South of the Island. I might have mentioned them already. Sammy is the dad, and he is 45 years old. He has 5 kids, but only one lives with him and his girlfriend. He is half Sweedish, half Egyptian, and he is a performer at the hotels and resorts in the south. He has an amazing voice! His girlfriend is named Ulga, and she is Russian, but speaks Russian, Finish, English, and Spanish. She is an amazing piano player, and her and Sammy are putting together a show to audition in a couple of months. He is a inactive member, but has a very strong testimony. They were able to come to church this week, and we taught Gospel Principles in English, because there was no one else for that class! They are amazing, and I will tell you more about them next week.
Well, thats about it. It is very hot here as well! I have been using the alergy medicine very ocasionaly. But my allergies have honestly been better since I got to Spain. I love you family!
Elder Rawlinson
