We are the Clay, and Thou our Potter: The Atonement is for everyone!

Dear family,

Thank you for such wonderful letters! I loved hearing about chinese new years, robotics teams, science olympiads, and knowing that my family is safe, sound, and happy. Haha I've been getting a few emails from people talking about when I'm coming home.... That's such a long ways away, so don't worry about it! Enjoy the moments without me because I'm enjoying every moment of the mission. The Lord has given missionaries the opportunity to preach the gospel! What a blessing!

This week was absolutely amazing! The spirit was in the air, and it was everywhere. We've been inviting everyone to watch "Conozca a los Mormones." The movie that everyone saw in the US and will be in theaters here in Los Mochis on the 27th. On Thursday, we had a conference with the president where we were able to watch it! Wow! What a fantastic movie! I love how the church is reaching out to people in a way that people are used to. Our friends and members are so excited to go see the movie this Friday and throughout the week next week.

Speaking about our friends, Lucila is absolutely amazing! She has watched practically every movie the church has made (she loves "Charly") and is asking for more things she can find on line. I think she's going to watch The Work and the Glory this week... any movie ideas???? Also, she has been listening the the Book of Mormon on her cellphone and read Ether 12, as we asked. She was so great, she said (translated), "of course I read it! All about faith!" even her daughter read the chapter. We're hoping to get through to her daughter, Adilene, more by going with a couple in our ward that are waiting to get married in the temple. This young couple has a similar story as Adilene and lived together before they were married, and they are excited to motivate Adilene to aim for the temple. Lucila is trying to change her life and has demonstrated her desire to repent and become closer to God. She and her nephew are both preparing to be baptized in March.

Something I realized this weekend is the power of the atonement in our lives. There were so many instances this week where we talked about the repentance process and the happiness of feeling clean again. Heavenly Father does not want us to be unhappy! He wants us to come closer to Him so that he can bless us. Lucila, like all of us, wants to change. She IS changing. And, SHE IS HAPPY! Heavenly Father has a plan of happiness. The center of this plan, is the atonement of Jesus Christ. We all must use it to live with Heavenly Father again.

I also realized this last night, as we were talking to a young woman who wants to go to the temple with the ward in March. We are at peace with ourselves and with God when we choose to repent, and the spirit was so strong as we were talking about the power of repentance with her. God gives us weaknesses so that we can trust Him. Once we trust Him and repent, He helps us turn those weaknesses into strengths. 1 Cor 10:13

I love you all! Have a great week!

Hermana Zubeldia