February 13, 2012

Hey Y'all!

This week was such a flash!  Elder Johnson and I were running all over the place all week long.  We have been really blessed!  The highlight of the week was definitely the baptism of Diana Zambrano on Saturday night.  Her and her sister had a lot of trials all week long and Satan really was just trying twice as hard all week long to stop her.  On Tuesday we went over to their house for our lesson, and we had with us Angel Arroniz.  Angel is a priest that just moved in from California.  We got there and Diana and Sister Olaya's parents were there.  They don't know a whole lot about the church, and are worried for Diana.  The biggest problem was that they didn't speak English, so we couldn't answer their questions. Angel, who has only been a member for a year himself did a great job at answering the questions they had, but we still wish we had been able to understand what was going on.  It is a really hard thing to do to just sit and know something is going on, but not being able to contribute.  Diana has such a strong testimony and is already steadfast and immovable.  Her example is a great one to her family and to all those around her.

Earlier this week, Elder Johnson and I found a baby snake while we were raking leaves.  We think it might have been a Copperhead.  Elder Johnson was raking and uncovered a hole, almost like a den with a snake in it.  When we looked at it we realized it wasn't a regular Gardner snake.  It had like the venom glands behind its head so we were pretty nervous about it.  Luckily for us it was a really cold day, it kind of just sat there most of the time.  I think we made it a little angry because it hissed at us a few times, but all is well we are both alive!

The sad news of the week is the departure of Elder Johnson.  He is getting transferred to Sachse (Ironically he will have been my 3rd companion to have served in Sachse).  My new companion's name is Elder McOmber.  I have met him a few times at zone conferences and stuff like that, and he seems to be a great missionary!  I am excited to serve with him!

All is well here in the Texas Dallas Mission, every day we see miracles and it is just incredible to see how the Lord truly blesses our lives!

Love,

 Elder Layton