Week 47

Hola mi querida familia!

I hope this letter finds you all well! Another week has passed here on the mission and I didnt even feel it. It went by so fast I cant believe it, this change with Elder Centeno is half way done, we only have 3 more weeks. We are really kicking everything in to gear to perpare for October, we are praying and hoping that we stay together for one more change to do all we can here in San Francisco and "echar fuego" in the work here. We have made some progress with getting the investigators involved in the missionary work, yesterday at ward council they actually started fighting about who was going to go with the missionaries. Once they tried missionary work they were addicted and everyone wanted to help. We are working hard with retencion here as well (because I am the new Retention Specialist in district Zapote at your service ;) ) we have a lot of new programs to get people baptized into the church and staying there. Its a lot of work, but I love staying busy and having lots of things to do. This sunday we will be training the members of how to teach from Preach my Gospel so they can feel what we feel when we get to go out and testify of this amazing work.

This week also was independence day for Costa Rica! I loved it! They have a truly great spirit when it comes to their independence day, just like us! It made me feel at home. We had a fun activity with lots of typical food from Costa Rica! I love this country! Its so special and so beautiful! I kept walking around on Wednesday saying "Noble Patria!" they have a cool parade that they do at night on the 14 where all the children make little lanterns that have something to do with the country and its traditions and habits and they all walk down the street during the night. We happened to be at the church when they passed and we were so excited to see it, and it turns out the parade that walked past the church happened to be a parade of gringos! And not only gringos, but gringo missionaries for the Baptist Church...haha it was kinda a funny experience. At 6 o clock that night every one in the country sang their national anthem, and then on thursday we had the activity it was lots of fun.

We have a baptism this Saturday and we are preparing for that, we are again on the lookout for new investigators, and constantly hoping and praying that the people here will open their hearts and allow us to teach them. Mercedes is preparing for her baptism and has been preparing for many years, we are excited to see this and happy to see her make this amazing decision in herlife. She was a cool experiene for us, to see firsthand the change a person makes in order to bring their lives in harmony with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She has made a 360 degree change, its been cool to see. The Lord knows us and helps us change to better serve for His mighty purposes. She has a different light about her, the Light of Christ, and you can tell she knows she found the right path, the only right path that there is, back to the presence of our Heavenly Father.

Yesterday was a special day for me, it was my 2 year anniversary since my baptism. I kept saying all day long that I couldnt believe 2 years had passed. I know that it doesnt matter how many years will pass, that day will forever be engraven in my mind, and will be the day that changed my life 100 percent. I am so happy for the decision I made 2 years ago to follow the path my Heavenly Father prepared for me. I know I am where I am supposed to be. I have no doubts, no regrets about the decision I made 2 years ago. I am so thankful for all the people who have supported me on this journey, it hasn't been easy but its been worth it. I thank all of those people who were constantly being great examples to me and helped me find my way. I look forward to all the many years I have ahead as a member of the only true church of Jesus Christ.

I love you all with all my heart. I love this gospel with all my heart. I love my mission with all my heart.

I pray that all is well with you.
Love, Elder Falor