Fourth of July Wedding, July 7, 2014 letter

July 7, 2014



Familia! 

This week was sooo good. It truly was a 4th of july week I will never forget. 

1st of all, mundial (world cup) continues... We had an awesome devotional this week as a mission. After the devotional President told us we were going to have a cultural activity haha. So after the devotional, we all watched the Argentina game on a huge projector. It was really fun. This week he told us we can watch the game with members. It is so cool to be here during this time. The people will be so humbled and prepared if Argentina loses ;) 

There were a lot of great things that happened this week, but the best day was the 4th of July. I began the day singing "the star spangled banner" to my companions, which I surely enjoyed more than they did. After getting all ready, wearing my patriotic suit and tie, we headed off to the wedding of Alejandro and Cecilia. I was filled with so much pure joy. It all seemed so surreal. 3 months ago, when we first met this family, they were broken, Cecilia said she wouldn't get married, and it seemed like there was no way to help them. Now, 3 months later, we were on our way to their wedding. I pondered the transformation we saw in them, I thought of Alejandro and his great faith. Even when we dropped them and didn't think they could progress, he kept going. He, alone, did all the papers so he could get married; He led his family in prayers every day; He read with Cecilia who can't read. He did everything. It was a miracle to see the enabling power of the atonement in this humble man who just wanted a new start. I truly felt like I was on my way to the wedding of my brother, which was a tender mercy with Garrett's wedding next month. 

Here, in Argentina, weddings are different. Basically you have to go to a government building and a woman there reads to you about marriage and the commitment you are making to your spouse, they ask if you accept this commitment, and you sign a paper. You also have to have 2 witnesses, so I was one of the witnesses. Alejandro and Cecilia couldn't afford a ring, so I gave them an "HLJ" (CTR) ring haha. So they used one of those cheap CTR rings as their wedding ring in the ceremony. It was really sweet. I think you can see it on Cecilia's hand in one of the pictures. Also, after weddings, it is a tradition to throw rice on the couple as they are leaving...so needless to say we bought some rice to throw haha. It was all so fun. 

Then the most important part, they were baptized that night :) they were so happy. This couple truly is a miracle for us. It really blows my mind how they changed. They both had to leave so much behind for this, and it was by no means easy, but...ah, what a miracle. But the miracle wasn't just them, it wasn't their will power, nor our teaching, the miracle was and always is CHRIST. It was HIS power who strengthened and pushed Alejandro to keep going even though he was all alone. It was HIS strength that gave Cecilia the ability to forgive and forget the mistakes of the past. It was HIS inspiration that HE sent to us to know how to get the help of the ward. HIS spirit that inspired the members to help. That is the miracle. He is the miracle. The power of Jesus Christ that He grants to every one of us as we follow Him is the miracle. 

I testify that we can overcome any weakness, addiction, or fear through HIS strength. Everyone can change because HIS miracles are available for everyone.

I'm loving every moment here.

Have a wonderful week 

Love,

Elder Tenney