1 year... 2 areas. 7/16/12

Dear Family and Friends, Well transfers were last night and I am staying in this tiny little area for 6 more weeks to finish training my companion. My district is being put back together which makes me happy. Elder Smith returns and is training. Elder Mejias is being put with Elder Lefevre, who was my room mate the first time in the MTC, so im really excited about that. We recently found a family of 6 and they are progressing well. 3 of them have a baptismal date including the mom, maria, and 2 younger siblings jose and mayerling. The dad hasn´t come to church yet, but occasionally reads with us. We watched the restoration, a video about joseph smiths first vision, and convinced him to say the closing prayer. it was short but sweet. ¨God, i saw your video. it was nice. in the name of jesus christ amen.¨ Still i was happy that he was participating. Yesterday the oldest son finally came to church with the family, including his Girlfriend, who is expecting a baby. They are both willing to get married and baptized, but haven´t accepted a specific date. We are also getting a lot more cooperation from the ward, including the bishops wife, which is the key to working with the bishop. When he saw that we have the Sanchez family coming to church he started helping us out a lot more and was happy to see us and talk to us. Things are really looking up. I love you all. Elder Nichols De las muchas cosas que he aprendido en mi misión, y mi tiempo entre este pueblo, la cosa más importante es el poder de amor. Por lo menos una sonrisa y una saluda sincera son suficiente para cambiar una corazón. Recuerde mis amados hermanos que caridad nunca deja de ser. Y es la clave de cualquier discípulo verdadero de Cristo. Si hemos recibido todas las ordenanzas, pero no aprendido de ser amigable y amar nuestros vecinos más que nosotros mismos, testifico que no somos candidatos para el reino celestial. Translation: Of the many things I learned on my mission, and my time among these people, the most important thing is the power of love. At least a smile and a sincere greeting is enough to change a heart. Remember my beloved brethren that charity never faileth. And it is the key to any true disciple of Christ. If we have received all the ordinances, but not learned to be friendly and to love our neighbors more than ourselves, testify that we are not candidates for the celestial kingdom.