Hola a todos!
It has been such a good time here in Barcelona, it is crazy that I've already been here for a month because it has just flown!! We always have so much to do, but it has been lots of fun and really awesome seeing the hand of the Lord work through Facebook! My testimony has grown so much these past few months that the Lord is preparing, has prepared, and will prepare, people to receive the Gospel. And even though we aren't in the streets like we were before, we are online, so God gives us that tool so we can bring to pass the purposes of God. So good!!
Barcelona is known as the pickpocket capital of the world. And, I received my personal witness of that this week. Everything turned out fine in the end, I'm assuming because once the guy who tried to steal the phone realized we both were tall Americans, he used his agency well and handed back the phone. Be aware of distraction tactics, because it worked pretty well! It was a 2 man operation. They had one dude "taking pictures," who was really the guy to take the phone, and they had another dude who was the distraction. The distraction called for our attention and started talking gibberish. I can guarantee you it was not English, Spanish, or Catalan, my best guess would be what the minions speak, but while that was happening, the dude who was "taking pictures" grabbed my companion's phone that was right next to him on the bench we were sat on. Again, everything turned out fine, just need 2 Americans and a threat to call the cops, worked for us, but it sure was a fun experience.
And as I write this email, sharing a nifty experience wouldn't be as good if I didn't relate it to the Gospel right? In life, we have all the things we need to be happy. We have families that can be eternal, we have the Gospel, which literally gives us step by step instructions on how to be happy, we have scriptures that are our literal maps and guides, Prophets who warn us of danger and teach us, the list goes on and on. However, in spite of all these things, sometimes we can get off the beaten path. Just as me and my companion were completely distracted by the minion speaking man, there may be distractions in life that pull us off from the right path. Now when that happens, the Atonement exists for that reason and can always help in a bad situation, but we must always be aware, and watch out for those distractions. Another great example is the vision of the tree of life. When the thick darkness arose over the people, and the distractions of people in the great and spacious building, those who persevered, and held to the iron rod, at the end were safe and enjoyed the rewards of doing so.
Hold on to the rod, and watch out if someone starts speaking to you like a minion! Until next week!
Élder Van Wagenen
God Bless America, Viva España
Fotos:
3. One of the first big hospitals in Barcelona
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