Fun Week!

Wow I can't believe that May is already almost over,  crazy how time flies.  This has been a good week! We found an investigator who we thought we lost- he lives way out in these trailer parks so hard to go see him, and finally one day we passed and he was home! Super great news! Made a cake with a less-active member for her son's birthday- first of all I have missed decorating cakes- and we used a Ziploc bag to do it which was great.  But we also made the cake from SCRATCH.....haha that was funny. it actually turned out pretty good but was really dense- and we could barely move after we ate it- it didn't help that she gave us three servings of pasta before that either...haha if you eat too fast they just keep giving you food, but if you don't take enough they complain until you put more on your plate. Good thing we ride bikes.
Maria is still progressing really well! She didn't come to church because Juan had to go into work.  We want her to feel like SHE can come to church on her own! That is what I really want to think about to help her in this upcoming week.  She has such a strong testimony, and last time we were there she explained the book of Mormon and Joseph Smith story to her 10 year old son.....Sister Belford and I were so amazed! She is so great, and so sweet and really does have a desire to learn more and follow Jesus Christ.  She is such an example of real intent and we are excited to help strengthen her testimony of the gospel and on going to church.  We also challenged them to read the Book of Mormon as a family together- we gave them the simple family story book of Mormon so it will be easier for her son to understand- who is probably one of the most proper boys I have ever met.
We have been having fun getting to know the branch better- we probably see a member every night- and just go visit and help them, and share messages with them.  We also do family nights- which is such a great way to get to know the family better, have them share their testimonies and practice teaching the lessons.  Last Monday we got to teach two Spanish families with 3 of their kids- we did a Jeopardy game on Lesson 3 which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ- we can make it through this life with Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Gift of Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End. Really neat to get to know their families better- and have fun with them.  We spent time laughing and hearing them tell stories, which was neat for us! We had a fun night last night celebrating one of the members birthday at the Branch Presidents house- I almost drank out of one of the members cups of pineapple soda (which is amazing by the way).....until he yelled "HERMANA, eso es mio!!!" Yeah super embarrassing, went bright red and everyone got a kick out of it which made it all okay.
We were at an investigators house this week, and before we left they were getting ready to leave to go to their own church activity.  This sister had not been to church for years, and we took a family picture of them all dressed up.  Something kind of hit me as I was doing that....this family could live together forever, they have the potential to be happy FOREVER with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  I wanted so badly right then to just show them what they could have- how close they are to knowing and having the blessings that we as latter-day saints know and experience everyday.  They love God, and know that he is their Father in Heaven.  But it is our opportunity and responsibility to help them feel of the difference that can come from having the Holy Ghost in their lives, in their family, and knowledge that they can live together forever- in an never ending state of happiness. I am grateful for these experiences- I need them to help me realize my purpose of life and why I am on a mission. 
I love you all, I know that families can be together forever, the happiness in the relationships we have with our families now, will be magnified and will continue on in the next life. I love the plan of Salvation! Every time we teach it, I get to see understanding come to peoples eyes, clarity, and confusion gone.  What a blessing the gospel is! I love you all, make it a great week!
Hermana Coleman