This has been a very interesting week for sure. First off, thank you to all of those who have emailed me asking if we are all okay here with the earthquakes that are hitting us! Everything is okay and all of the missionaries are safe. I don't really have much of a cool story to tell about the earthquake besides the fact that we were in a lesson with Oliver. We were just sharing some scriptures when everything in the house started rattling and gradually got stronger. We all ran outside and all of the houses around us were just swaying back and forth. No houses fell in our area, but there was a lot of damage in the other zones in the missions. Although there has been a lot of damage and sadness, we have been giving so much more opportunities to serve. We had a zone conference on Friday and President Mecham shared this scripture:

6 And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word.

I have seen that this scripture is true for us right now in Mexico. The earthquakes are really humbling the people and we have had more success than I have ever had in my whole mission. The people are looking to us for answers and are willing to act on their faith.

We had a really spiritual lesson with a family of 5 named the Olvera family. We met them by offering english lessons to their 12 year old son in the street a few weeks ago. We never got into their house until Saturday. We just walked by and they were outside and we got talking about the earthquakes. They invited us in and we shared Helaman 5:12. this scripture talks about how when we are faced with trials, if we have a strong foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, we cannot fall. This scripture was just what this family needed. We were able to testify how everything will be okay and we can continue forward with happiness and hope as we exercise faith in Christ. The spirit was very strong and lots of tears were shed by them. Yesterday they came to church and they loved it! The ward has been so great to welcome them and everyone is supporting each other in this time of need. There has been a lot of damage and sadness this week, but I have also seen so much more happiness and hope that has come from Faith in Jesus Christ. This week has strengthened my testimony in my Savior a lot more as I have been able to really testify to these wonderful people.

Have a great week!

--
Elder May