May 9, 2011

Hola,

Sevilla isn't too hot yet but they say the temperatures will be rising soon. You should watch the temperatures in Phoenix and Sevilla and see what kind of weather the Elder Fagerstens are working in.

This past week in Sevilla was La Feria, "The Fair." Basically, it was a big party all week long. But one thing that was different was that all of the girls dress up in flamenco dresses and all the boys dress up in suits to go down to the fair grounds. It was pretty cool to see all of the different colors and flowers and everything. The city buses were PACKED. It was crazy, but fun. We didn't go down to the fair grounds, but we did go by on the bus.

We had a great week. Yesterday was great, to be able to talk with Mom. I'm so grateful for Mom and Dad and for all the things they have given us and done for us and continue to do and give. They're amazing people. The thing I'm most grateful for is that they helped me gain a testimony and knowledge of my Savior, Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father's plan for our happiness.

We visited a member on Friday afternoon, and she shared her testimony with us. She shared how she gained her testimony, and made a comment that taught me a lot. She said, "Sometimes our testimonies are strengthened more by opposition than by spiritual experiences." Both types of experiences - spiritual ones, where we feel that warmth and peace, and opposition, where we might have to fight to hold on to and defend what we believe to be true - are opportunities for our testimonies to be strengthened. That impacted me a lot because we face a lot of opposition in our lives. For this sister, she faced a lot within her own family, and at times it was really difficult for her to even be able to go to church. But she held on to that feeling, that hope, that belief that God really was her Heavenly Father, and that He loved her, that He had a plan for her to be happy, that He sent his Son to be her Savior and Redeemer, and that Christ had called a prophet again to restore His church and His gospel and all of His promised blessings.

The Lord will help us as we do all we can to hold on to our faith in Him, and trust that He will give us rest from our troubles, sorrows and cares. One way He has done that for me is through the Book of Mormon. Another way is through each of you, and the love and support you give to me. I appreciate it, and I love you. I know that my Redeemer lives.

Love,
Elder Fagersten