That's a "Belter"

Hello again my dear family and friends,

Well this week has also resulted in many ups and downs, and my district and Heavenly Father have carried me through it all. I would have to say the most spiritual moments throughout this week came in two moments:

1. At the

park this week, I felt that I had much more success. I really still don't think I fully comprehend the amount of work Heavenly Father put into that day for it to have the success it did. Honest, out of all the entire city of Madrid, we (the CCM) went to this one park, and of all the people in Spain that we (me and my Companion) could talk to, we ran into Patrick from Texas, and another individual who spoke perfect English from Madrid. Brothers and sisters, I can't adequately describe how incredible this miracle was. When we were walking through the street, we saw P and we felt inspired to talk to him. I felt inspired to ask him if he spoke English. He had been Meditating; He had heard about the Mormons before through his friends. I got to testify to him in ENGLISH. I felt the spirit and I proclaimed my testimony, and related the first vision by memory. He was interested. I Walked away feeling as if I was in some LDS film. I couldn't believe it. We took down his information, and gave him a Book of Mormon with the invitation to read. We then ran into S, born and raised in Madrid. He was alone, and as we tried to share his message, he said he had lost his sister a year ago. He was willing to listen. He seemed interested to know how he could possibly see her again.

2. During our "Progressing investigator lesson" (a lesson with a teacher acting as an investigator.) We were trying to covey the idea of repentance to a young Spaniard, who never really had felt the need to; The spirit testified at least to me of the words I said. And somewhere deep inside an imaginary investigator, I could see the gears turning, and the realization of a Child of God, realizing their divine worth and better yet potential. His lack of guilt made repentance difficult to convey, but I felt the spirit very strongly during that lesson.

Goodness, I really have seen the hand of God in this week, especially writing it out. Going on a mission is a big step of faith, and it's crucial to recognize that you aren't alone in your efforts.

Our day is full of class, as I've mentioned, so P-Day every week is almost like a little bit of Christmas when you pop off the pillow. Today we went to the mall. I ran in, thankful to be out of the wonderful classroom, singing "LETS GO TO THE MALL EVERYBODY" I am so thankful for a district who puts up with my shenanigans as well has the ability to dub step remix any hymn we sing on the fly.

After class is over, and we have a bit of time to prepare for bed, I sometimes bring my violin out. I never really have loved playing it as much as I have this last week. It speaks peace to my soul. I open my window, close my eyes, and play. The hymns I play are means to bear my testimony to the whole bustling city. My hope is that maybe some one will hear my song, while starring at the sun setting, and will come to the temple grounds to see where it's coming from. My district hasn't complained about it yet, so hopefully I can do it for a bit longer till my time is up here in the CCM.

I am beginning to get a hold of things here in Madrid. My sleep is starting to behave itself, my stomach has been put into submission, and my Spanish is growing in its own special ways. Ha,ha the only thing that still refuses to cooperate is the temperamental water dispenser in the cafeteria. Ha,ha it may seem strange for me to talk about, but it has been the source of much of my laughs this last week. It is "motion activated" and will fill your glass with water and ice, but it NEVER is that simple. I swear that little machine is the result of much dark magic. Everyone agrees that thing can hear us speaking, and as soon as we figure out how to get it working, it demands new and improved methods. It may seem strange to share but it was something that made me laugh.

Don't get me wrong here, I am making plenty of goofs here in Spain; I told my teacher that I was hoping I would finally aquire "chastity" instead of charity. (castidad instead of caridad). I ran into a lot more than two people in the park, and a lot more than two people didn't want to talk to me. President decided to put sisters in our district ( He mus have read my email;) ) We had a death of a family member in our district... don't get me wrong, this week has been really hard. But I recognize Heavenly Father's hand in it. Elder Keir is going to be a Uncle. I met my goal for my words per day. The violin is beautiful. The suns still shines, and I can still pray. There's the up's to meet the downs, and I, I can do all things through Christ who is my Savior, my Redeemer, my strength, my Spanish, my all. So much love. Feel free to send emails I love you all so much. Please stay with it, the peace is worth it.

Your Spaniard in Training,

Elder GArdner