January 17, 2011

Buenos días,

This week, a young man in the ward here in Huelva, Gabriel, received his mission call. Gabriel is from Columbia, but he, his mom, Galicia, and his sister, Alina, moved here to Huelva about 10 years ago. He received the letter on Friday morning but had to wait until his mom got back from work. They have Institute and Seminary and Mutual on Friday nights here, so the youth were at the chapel, and Galicia came there from work and they opened it there, with everyone together. Gabriel opened it and then had his mom read it. He has been called to serve in the Spain Barcelona Mission! He's way excited! He has some friends that are serving there and he said he had kind of felt like that would be where he would serve. Galicia was really, really happy. I felt the Spirit when she read the call and it was a great experience to share together. My companion from the MTC in Madrid, Elder Middleton, is serving in Barcelona. Maybe they will meet each other.

I am really excited for Ben to receive his mission call! When you get it, record it, and send me the video please! I want to see it before I read an email that says where you're going, so just send the video, and then send another email separate please. And don't put where you're going on the subject line! ; )

We have so many opportunities to learn and grow. The Lord really does know us, personally, individually, and He loves us. The scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, help us to know Him personally, individually. Prayer is personal communication with our Heavenly Father. The Atonement, which is central to our Father's plan for our happiness, is what allows us to grow and change and progress. We are children of God and we have a purpose in our lives. We have access to an infinite Source faith, hope, inspiration, comfort, strength, love, and light. The Lord is anxious to bless us, to heal us, to forgive us, and help us. I know He lives.

I love you all so much. Your emails, your letters, your packages, your words of encouragement and testimony are a great support and strength to me. They help me feel my Savior's love. Thank you!

Love,
Elder Fagersten