9/22/14

Livermore is a very sleepy town full of very rich people. It is hard to find people to talk to on the street but there are some very nice people we've found who, although they do not want to meet with us, are willing to stop on the street and listen to us. One thing that is really great here is that there are a lot of service opportunities for us in the community. Also, the food here is incredible. Because the people are so fancy, there are a ton of really classy places in downtown and it looks like it could easily be in a movie. There are lights hanging on the streets and warmers by the outdoor tables (hehe). There are also a lot of vineyards in the outskirts of the city and that reminds me of good old Greenfield.

We had to drop the baptismal date that the Sisters had because Pedro won't come to church and was avoiding us for a while. We finally caught him outside of his house last Saturday and had what I thought was a very spiritual lesson. When we tried to recommit him to baptism he was quiet for a bit then went off on some crazy story about how the Virgin Mary appeared to him and gave him the power to look at the sun without burning his eyes. He claims that he gathers electricity which helps him to be able to detect liars. I am not sure if he is calling us liars or what but he was in gangs and into heavy drugs and alcohol so I am sure that there were some mental repercussions... 

We are also teaching my very first full American investigator. I am pretty sure we are supposed to hand her over to the English elders but my companion loves her a ton so I'm not quite sure what to do because she would not understand anything if she came to our Spanish branch. She is a single mother of three adorable little babies and has indigo hair. She has a really cool Dark Crystal t-shirt and she actually read the pamphlet and went online to do some research before our appointment. It kind of worries me that she is not going to mormon.orgto do her research but I love her desire to know for herself.

This Sunday there was a young man who passed the sacrament who reminded me of my little brother (his name was actually Gustavo too!). I noticed that when they sat down with their families he went to sit by himself in the second pew, he pulled out his scriptures and started to read. It broke my heart to see this young 12 year old boy sitting there all alone. I wondered where his parents where and I appreciated so much more the courage and dedication of this young boy. He probably got himself up in the morning, shinned his shoes, tied his tie, picked out his white shirt and khaki pants, gathered his scriptures and made his way to church. He said the closing prayer in Sacrament and I have never known such a mature young man. He prayed for all of those who had not made it to the meeting and asked a blessing for their safe return.

This is the Church of Jesus Christ, here we learn of His Gospel which is centered on the family. I am very grateful for my family and the support that they have been to me through my ups and downs and just-plain-crazy times. We are like an old battered quilt which at times has holes and is patched by duck tape but it is very warm and it is stitched together with love and woven through with Christ as the centerpiece. I am so grateful for all of you who have put up with me and become family through our experiences. May you always remember that there is a network of people ready to help you through whatever you are facing and that the Savior is always there to wrap you in his loving embrace.

I love you all so much.

Hermana Quintana