Wedding Bells and Baptisms!

Dear Family,
This was an excellent week! Our investigator from El Salvador who has been living with a member for years was married and baptized this weekend (and confirmed!). It was cute to see la hermana so excited for her special wedding day and all the excitement that came with the changes. I wasn't sure how it would turn out with the wedding just being kinda small and so early in the morning (9 am!). But the branch really surprised us. We were all grouped in the relief society room as the branch president performed the service. And my companion convinced me to take non-stop photos with his camera so that we could give the memory card to the newlyweds. Except I didn't catch it when they kissed so they had to do it again, haha. The baptism went like a charm as well. The talks were excellent and the feeling was right. Israel, our investigator-now-member, was told me over the stall while we changed to dry clothes that he knew God had guided him into making the decision. It was a happy morning. I'll upload some photos if I have some time.
Aside from that, we had a funny run in this week after coming out from a visit. We saw 2 young guys standing by their car and we started talking to them. After a few moments they said, "Hey, wanna buy some cheesecakes?" What? One of them opened the back of the SUV and there was an array of cheesecakes that looked like they were melting. "How much are you selling them for?" I asked. "$10, and made with the finest ingredients. Made with love, too." Haha we didn't buy any but this week they're meeting the missionaries who cover that area :)
It's been really cool seeing how things play out with our assignment. Even though we're helping the branch significantly with their records, we still need to be better about recording the results of our visits. And also, sadly, we need to work more with the members to help fellowship the weak. We're getting in with a lot of families though. Actually, it seems that somehow we keep finding members who aren't actually on the ward roster because their membership is in Mexico. There's really no way to find those lost sheep except by being guided to them. But slowly we're gathering the flock. And several came to church yesterday that haven't been in a long time. Success!
So while on exchanges this week we had a lesson outside in the evening and I started to get really cold. When we were back in the car the temperature read 72 degrees. Crazy! Something's not right..
So I read a scripture in 1 Nephi 10 this week, toward the end of the chapter, about how when Lehi spoke to his sons by the power of the Spirit which he obtained through faith, Nephi felt desires to see, hear, and know of those things as his father did. It stood out to me as the real pattern of how to help others change. Starting with our faith, we earn the companionship of the Spirit, which as we serve the Lord, is felt by others. The Spirit works His magic and the ball is in their court. It's simple but a real challenge. I hope that in all your interactions and responsibilities this week that others are able to feel the Spirit that you bring. Happy Monday and enjoy your week! I love you all!

Elder Gathro