All the Day Long

2 Nephi 28: 32

" From day to day, they will deny me; Nevertheless... mine arm is lengthened out all the day long."

Soo here's the deal, transfer week meant several casualties for our dear Burgos and Logrono crew. Elder Salazar, Elder Richardson's trainer, has left to open up Lleda, and left his gringito companero to handle Burgos A, and show his new "trainer the streets" jajaja it should be quite the adventure for him. It was sad to see Elder Salazar go, we dropped him off at the train station this morning. His testimony and love around the piso (apartment) will be missed.

My companion an I also had a lesson with a family from Guana this week S.. and N... Without knowing if they were going to even be home ( they hadn't answered their phone) we arrived at their piso, walked in, and sat down to a giant authentic African meal, and African gospel music blasting:) We sat amazing at their wonderful hospitality and humility; whenever we said thank you, S... would say " NO, thank God! He gives..." It is quite hilarious too, because sometimes our English was difficult to understand, so eventually we found ourselves speaking with a fairly accurate African accent. This family truly has shown me some of the greatest examples of humility and love, I've ever seen. When Elder Bown complimented S... on his watch, he took it right off his arm and gave it to him. And it's not because they are wealthy. The meal we ate was some of the most interesting things I've ever eaten, and we had it only after the most passionate prayer I've ever scene or heard to bless food. (HALLELUJAH.... AMEN!!!) The food is called Fu Fu, or I'm not sure... but you need to look it up. You must eat it without chewing, and it is just loaded with pepper, and the consistency is just wrong:) But it truly was delicious, and the company made it better. The best part, was guiding these avid, passionate, followers of Christ through the teachings of the Book of Mormon. Some of the most difficult lessons I've had, and they're in English:) but I love the spirit the dwelt in their home, and I could feel the love Heavenly Father has for this man and his beautiful family.

So when we aren't singing praises to the Lord, and eating down Fu fu, we usually are usually in the street to see how many no's we can get thrown into our faces:) nice or not-so-nice before 10:00.

So when I read this scripture this week I saw it in a new light than ever before. 2 Nephi 28: 32 "From day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless.. mine arm is lengthened out All THE DAY LONG." as Heavenly Father's arms here in dear Spain, we already know that He is going to be rejected, we are going to be rejected, but because of his amazing mercy, which I will be grateful for when I have felt I've strayed, Nevertheless his arm is lengthened out still. So we'll be here... The arms of God, in rain or snow, ALL THE DAY LONG. Because He loves us and He won't give up on us. I love you all.

Elder Gardner

Answers to a few of my questions:

I am staying in Burgos, but Elder Salazar has left us. He was the Native. He went to open a new area, which means Elder Richardson will receive a new trainer who we are picking up today. Elder Mendoza.

There have been some crazy public demonstrations, all peaceful though, just showing support to Spain.

I would love as many recipes as you can give me. I found cream of chicken soup, which means all the recipes are on the table now:)

Elder Bown is now district leader, which makes me "District Monkey." I love him.