Who doesn't believe in Spanish?

Buenos dias familia,

We knocked on the door of a man this week who said he didn't believe in anything we shared. When we asked him if he knew of anyone on his street who speaks Spanish, he said he doesn't believe in Spanish. Sister Marroquin said well that's tough, because millions of people speak only Spanish. I like being able to talk to every kind of person on my mission--I think I'll miss being able to go up to talk to random people. I won't have an excuse to do it and the tag as proof. But it has been fun and fulfilling trying to share more of the gospel every day with people and getting to hear their stories--everyone has a story.

I went on an exchange this week with the sign language sisters. I thought we had challenges in transportation and other things, but boy do they have their work cut out for them. I'm impressed with their tenacity, especially now when I am feeling like my mission is at its hardest--the test of enduring to the end. And I went out with Sister Beale in Sacramento for the day and will go out with Sister Toro tomorrow. I've been keeping busy.

We're doing well in our mission--44 people are committed to baptism this month and 15 have already been baptized. The goal is 65, and the theme from now until the rest of the year is "the field is white already to harvest." I'm sure the field is white in our area of East Sac--we aren't exactly sure where to harvest. But Sister Marroquin has been a champ and is keeping the faith and has been really positive, which has been a great help. Thank goodness for companions.

When Elder Holland came in January, he told us that we need to go home having truly converted at least one person--ourselves. That has been a blessing for me because I know that all the struggles, the pains, the hard work I have put into this mission the past 17 months has made me stronger. I know that I have been truly converted to the gospel and am surprised to see how much it has changed me. It was definitely a very gradual, long process. But I am thankful to my Father in Heaven for answering my prayers, for knowing what is best for me, and for giving me the courage to come on a mission and to bless the lives of others. It's funny because at church yesterday I realized how much the ward members need us, too. I love our ward. I feel like if I moved to northern California, I would want to be in this stake. One of the young women's leaders asked us after sacrament meeting to teach the lesson for her. Others come to us to find answers and to seek direction--read your scriptures, say your prayers, and come to church. :) Sunday school answers but that's about the only counsel we can give--and it's the best kind.

I love you all! Thank you for your prayers--hope you're all doing well.

Love,

kates