Conference Weekend (10/6)

First things first: I saw a tarantula this week. We were walking on a dirt road and I didn't notice it (I had my chin up, mom!), but Hermana Jones made a strange noise and jumped out of the way, and just kind of pointed. It was the biggest spider I have EVER seen in the wild... the size of my fist, all harry and tarantula-like. There it was just crawling down the dirt road we were walking on. I wanted to catch it and put it in a jar, but my companion wouldn't let me. We currently have a pet caterpillar named Fuzzy Wuzzy that we are waiting to cocoon, but Hermana Jones said "I put my foot down at the tarantula!" So, no new pet, but just another crazy experience with Arizona wildlife.

Conference was AMAZING! I love hearing the Brethren speak and instruct us. Most of them talked about the basics of the gospel, but I love learning things in new ways that strengthen my testimony. I felt like some of the recurring themes included faith, prophets, and families... these are all really basic doctrines but I feel they were focused on because of how very important they are. As Elder Uchtdorf said, quoting Vince Lombardi, "we can only become great by mastering the fundamentals." I know that it is these basic building blocks that make up our testimonies and allow us to build a strong foundation on Christ.

One exciting thing from conference was President Monson's announcement of the Hartford, CT temple! It is awesome to know that the church is growing strong enough at home to merit the construction of a temple in the area. One of the other themes that stuck out to me this weekend is the impact of the gospel on generations. It is through the work done in these holy temples that the links between generations are made possible, as we are sealed to our ancestors who have gone before us, and prepare future generations to be born in the covenant and receive the same blessings.

We had one instigator come to conference, Ricardo. He had come to church a few weeks ago and had gone to the wrong building because stake conference was that day. Fortunately, one of the members of the branch presidency happened to drive by, spoke to him, and brought him to the stake center. But then this week, he came to the wrong building again! General Conference was being broadcast in Spanish at our regular meeting house, but he came to the stake center thinking that's where we met all the time. He ended up stayed and watching the Sunday morning session of conference even though it was in English and he didn't understood any of it! He still told us that he really like it, so he must have been feeling the spirit! We started teaching him yesterday, along with his grandma and niece, and he is really excited about learning more about the gospel.

I, too, am really excited about the gospel, and grateful for the instruction we received this weekend. If you were not able to watch conference, it's available on line! Go to www.lds.org and enjoy a session! Thank you for your prayers and support.

Love always,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette