"Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God"

1- So here's a cool experience to start off this email.  This week we were really stressed to find a decent apartment and we were asking every possible person and calling every number posted on random lightpoles and walls here in Ica, Peru, because where we live now is super far from our new area and it's costing a lot to take a lot of moto taxis to get places.  Anyway, the problem is that we weren't having much time to do the work we were sent here to do, like teach people and invite them to come unto their Savior, Jesus Christ.  So one morning my comp and I said that we're gonna stop looking for apartments and focus our efforts to further the work of the Lord and have faith that He will give us a place to live.  So that day as we were finding people to teach, we were walking and saw a 4-story building which looked like apartments and one of them on the 2nd story looked empty because there weren't any curtains, so we knocked and it's perfect! In our price range, a safe neighborhood, big enough, not too small, and in good condition!  It was truly a miracle.  I gained a personal testimony of 3 Nephi 13:33, "...seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." It's so true.  When we put enough faith in God to put Him first in our lives, He helps figure everything else out for us.  He will help us if we just show a little bit of faith.  I know that to be true!

2- On Friday night, we had Angel's baptism!  It was a very special day.  Although it's always a little stressful for us to plan and prepare for a baptism, it's SO worth it.  He bore his testimoney and shared his feelings after and it was so special.  He thanked everyone for helping him get to know and grow closer to His Savior and that he's excited to keep learning and growing.  MY HEART. When he was confirmed a member on Sunday, and sustained by the congregation as the newest member of our ward, he looked directly at us and smiled a smile so big that I almost started crying because I was so happy for how happy he was....if that makes any sense.  I know he is a very special and loved child of God and I'm so grateful for the opportunity God gave me to know him and teach him what I know to be true in my heart. Love that kid so much and I will never forget him.

3- On Sunday our ward SPLIT!  San Isidro ward is now San Isidro Ward and Puente Blanco Ward.  How crazy is that?  So that's something cool and exciting.  I'm so happy to be a part of this work!

4- Well, that's about all I got this week.  I'm just here giving it my all and seeing the hand of God in my life and in the lives of those I teach and serve.  I love this gospel and it makes me so, so happy!

Have an amazing week, my friends.  I hope you all remembered Jesus Christ this week and His suffering for us....but more importantly, His Resurrection!  He lives and wants us to use His Atonement so that we can be happy and have peace in our lives.  He loves us so much.

Love you all!
Hermana Lowe

Hermana Legaspi and Hermana Lowe getting ready for Angel's bapstism

Angel at his baptism!

Angel's dad and stepmom

Angel's buddies in the young mens

Ica Zone in the Peru Lima South Mission