Goodbye President :(

This has been a weird and sad week here in La Gran Misión Buenos Aires Norte. President Ayre and his family go home tomorrow. I AM SO SAD. On Thursday we went to San Fernando, where the mission offices are with the mission to here President and his family talk one more time. It was so sad but also so happy. They gave some great advice and we all sang the mission song together and it was super bittersweet. I remember finding out that President would go home when I was halfway through my mission, and I remember thinking that that moment would never come but, here it is. President Smith gets here tomorrow, along with his wife, and two of his 8 kids. 

This week all in all was weird. We weren't in the area that much again thanks to many trips to San Fernando to get my comps identification, meetings with President, and activities. Yesterday we got to go to San Fernando again with Sofia and Rosana to see a devotional about the Restoration for people who are investigating the church or those who have recently baptized. But we could only go IF we came with one of the two. So we practically begged Sofia, as it was our last opportunity to see President before he goes home tomorrow. She agreed because she loves us. It was super cool.

Also, the happiest thing ever happened yesterday. When we got to the church in San Fernando, I walked in and was attacked by none other than.... DANA. My convert from Escobar!! It was the best thing ever to see her, and her sister, Micaela, who finally was committed to baptism! I was just so happy yesterday :)

This week we had a lesson with Sofia and her mom, who had committed to be baptized on July 3rd. We get there and had one of the most spiritual lessons that I have had on my mission. But her mom just refuses to see the difference in our church and all the others, even though we´ve explained the resoration like a million times. It's honestly really frustrating. At least, I felt frustrated. We ended up talking about her date for the 3rd and she said she wasn't ready, and as hard as it was, we knew she shouldn't be baptized without a real testimony. So we tried to set another date for the 17th of July, and she wouldn't say yes. So we got there with an investigator, and left without one. It was super hard. But we just have to trust in the Lord. When we decide that investigators are no longer "progressing", I think it requires a lot of faith. Trust in the Lord that we´re going to leave them in His hands and continue working.

But on the bright side, MAR IS GETTING MARRIED. She´s marrying Elías, the member that brought her to church in September, and then they´re getting sealed in May. I'm so happy :)

We havent had a ton of time to study this week, thanks to leaving super early in the mornings for meetings and such. But yesterday, at the fireside, one of the people invited us to close our eyes and sincerly ask God if the church and the Book of Mormon are true. It was more for the investigators, but I decided to do it. And as I did, I was overcome with such an incredible feeling of peace. Not really telling me "yes", but more, reassuring me that I already know. I don't have a single doubt. I love this gospel. I love the Book of Mormon. I love my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to be serving in this part of His vineyard, and with His children here in Argentina. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that he really did see God and Jesus Christ. That he was called of God, and he resotred the church and the priesthood, and this is the only church on earth that has the athority of God. 

I love you all! Have a great week!

Love,

Hermana Prestwich

1. Familia Ayre 

2. Dana and Micaela!