El Reino Nazarí

In the history of Granada, there is a story. Some say that it's real, others say that it's fake, but regardless, I am going to tell it. It's the story of the last king of Granada, Boabdil. Boabdil reigned in the Moorish kingdom of Granada before the reconquering of Spain by the Christians. Legend has it that as he was fleeing from Granada, he looked back on the burning palace of the Alhambra and began to cry. As he cried, his mother, turned and said, "Weep like a woman for that which you could not defend as a man." It's a pretty sensational story, and a lot of historians actually disagree with it. But, I sympathize with Boabdil. Leaving Granada is difficult. It has been a fantastic time here. It's going to be difficult to leave. But unlike Boabdil, I won't be going south, I will actually be going east, to a place called Elche. I'm really excited. Elche is one of the most talked about places in our mission. Why? Because it's the city with the most amount of palm trees in Europe. It will be amazing. Forests of palm trees. I am very excited to serve in this new area.

Also speaking of the Alhambra, we visited the Mirador de San Nicolas today. Fantastic.

So to continue with the story of Lili. She was talking with us and said that she would prefer to be able to be one hundred percent sure about baptism before committing herself. She is great. She understands the gospel so well. For that reason, she wants to wait. Ah. It's hard, when you know the gospel will change someone's life, and yet, we have to respect other people's agency. But, she did say that she is seriously considering baptism still, and will likely be baptized. Things are going so well in this area. I have loved being here.

I am out of time, but I love you all. It is a great day to be a missionary.

Love, 
Elder Weenig

The Mirador de San Nicolas

A Few Lessons From Last Week

What a crazy week.

I'm not really sure where to begin, but I think I will just share some lessons that I have learned this last week.

First, not everything is what it seems to be. We were teaching a man named Manuel, who seemed like gold. He was telling us that he wanted to find the truth and especially wanted to join the true church. In missionary terms, golden. But unfortunately, as we were driving out to an appointment with him on Tuesday, we got a call from him. Generally, when someone with whom we have an appointment calls, it's tempting to not pick up because often, the result is the same, a canceled appointment, and an hour of time that we now have to create a new plan. This time however, it was slightly different. We got a call and he began to explain that he didn't just want to cancel the appointment, but he never wanted us back at his house. It's hard, even after so much time in the mission to see people reject something that you know will help them. It can even cause you disappointment and discouragement. But the reason why I wanted to share this wasn't just to show you that Manuel wasn't exactly what he seemed to be. It showed me that it wasn't Manuel's time. For now, there are others to seek who are prepared to hear the gospel.

Second, we have to make the most of the time that we have. We had interviews with President this last week, and he told me that I will be leaving Granada. Not this week, but the following week. I have been in Granada for a long time. Much longer than is normally allowed, and for that I am very grateful. But for this upcoming transfer, I will be changed to a different area. So I have decided to make the most of the time that I have left here in Granada. I have loved my time in this city. It has kind of become my second home, and I really love it here. I will be sad to leave, but I'm glad that Granada will always be here. So there is no time to lose. I can't wait for the miracles that are going to happen these last two weeks.

Last, miracles really do exist. Lili has committed to be baptized. Finally, after working with her for six months, she is getting baptized. She has set the date for the 29th of April, which is a little complicated as it's two days after transfers. She has asked me to baptize her, so I may be able to stay for the baptism. But if not, I'm so grateful for this miracle. There were a number of times in this process of conversion when she wanted to drop us or we weren't sure if we were going to keep going with her. But little by little, "precept by precept", she got there. We can't move the date any closer because that is the very day that her sister gets here from Alicante. What a miracle. I say that in all sense of the word. I had no idea that it would be even possible for her to be baptized. With the amount of doubts she had, with the opposition that she faced, it seemed impossible. But for that reason it is a miracle. Something impossible made possible. It's been amazing. It's hard to tell how happy I was when Lili finally decided to be baptized.

I don't really know how to describe how it is to be a missionary. It's the hardest, but the best thing that has ever happened to me. It really is a great day to be a missionary.

Love,
Elder Weenig

Rosemary's birthday (Lili's little sister)

Consejo

So this last week.

We had mission leadership council (Consejo) this last week. I really like going because you get to see everyone from all around the mission and see old friends and companions. Really fun. We also talked about how to improve the mission and how we can improve as missionaries. I really enjoyed it. It actually takes place in Fuengirola, so it's a little bit like going home, getting to go back to a former area.

Big news! Lili wants to be baptized! Somewhat less good news: she wants to get baptized in November. But it's huge. I am so happy. It has taken a lot of time. We met her after just two weeks in this area. So it has been a long time. She has had to overcome a lot. But what a miracle.

We just finished a long water fight, and there isn't much time today. But thanks so much for everything. We are working very hard. We have seen a lot of miracles this last week. I love this, and I love being a missionary, what a great day to be a missionary.

Love you,
Elder Weenig

The closest thing to swimming

With Elder Ylimaulo (Finland)

With Elder Black (Scotland)

On the Road Again

On the road again. I'm so glad that we have iPads now. Without them, writing emails on our way down to Malaga for our conference would be impossible.

General Conference was great, we were able to watch all, of the sessions. It's kind of like Christmas for missionaries. We love it.

What a week. Crazy, crazy, busy. Things are going so well. We are running (driving) all day to get to the appointments we need to. I love it. I love Granada. There's a song here that goes something like this "Granada, the land dreamed for me, my song becomes gypsy when it is for thee" (I'm not really exactly sure what it's supposed to mean, but I like the song) and it really is true. Granada is amazing. The dream-land, I guess.

Lili. We were so worried for her. She wasn't sure that she even wanted to keep coming to church, but then during one of our meetings, she began by saying, "Could you play something on the piano?" I said yes, then suggested we also sing a hymn to begin. She instantly lit up and said yes and that she actually had a hymn that she really loves. Surprisingly, at least for us, she said "Praise to the Man". This coming from someone who did not want to believe in an organization of a church, and subsequently, the hymn about a prophet surprised us. We sang it, and we began to talk about the conference. All of a sudden, she says, "Yeah, one of the reasons I want to get baptized is because the church helps you steer clear of sin." My reaction wasn't really surprised, or even really shocked, I just kind of sat there and thought "Elder Weenig, this isn't Lili's normal attitude about baptism"  so cool. She hasn't committed to a date, but it is a huge step in the right direction.

The less active member with whom we are working has come to church three weeks now. After fifteen years, she is finally coming back to activity. It's amazing.

I don't have much time left, but I just wanted to say that I love you all. Thanks so much for all of your support, and for everything that you are doing. I love to be here, I love being a missionary. It really is the best time of my life. It really is a great day to be a missionary!

Love you all,
Elder Weenig

(No captions were given for these pics.  I guessing this one is a meal during conference.)

The Weeks Fly By

The weeks fly by.

They told us in the MTC that the days feel like weeks and the weeks like days. At the beginning, I won't lie, I didn't necessarily believe it. But as the time has gone by, I've come to realize that it's very true. The time flies by. There really is so much to do, and so little time to do it. But things have been going very well.

Gabriela was confirmed yesterday, which was a great experience. She told us that during the confirmation, she felt like it wasn't our hands that were on top of her head. She felt as though it were someone else. She couldn't explain exactly how she felt, but she knew that it was something special. Very cool.

Also, this last week, we had an appointment with Lili, and at the end, we were pretty worried that we were losing her. Fortunately, at our next appointment, she told us that there really isn't a reason for her not to get baptized. She said her sister says that she is weird just like the Mormons so she was basically born to be Mormon. She is so close to accepting to be baptized. Please keep her in your prayers. She is awesome, and we hope she will commit to be baptized this month.

What a crazy week. It's always crazy to be working in Spain during Semana Santa (Holy Week). During the week, a lot of people come out and march in processions. It usually slows down the work. However, we are actually seeing a good amount of success. This week we are going to work even harder. The work is growing. I feel like we are going to see a few more baptisms in these upcoming weeks. We have a number of investigators that are progressing, but we are just working to help them overcome a few doubts.

I love being a missionary. It's the best thing that anyone could do. I would recommend it to everyone. So if you are not currently a missionary, share a little bit of the Easter spirit, see the Hallelujah video, and give some food to the missionaries. I can promise you they will appreciate it.

Thanks so much for all your support. I love you all.

It's a great day to be a missionary.
Elder Weenig

Gabriela's Baptism

We just got back from the Alhambra. It's my second time and even still, I feel like we barely saw anything of it. I love Granada. It's such a cool culture. A perfect mix of ancient and modern. I wouldn't mind coming back to study after the mission.

Anyway, the major event of the week is the title of the email. Gabriela was baptized! Such a great experience. She told us that she has been thinking about going on a mission, because of Jhizel's influence. So awesome. During the baptism they were sitting together, and I couldn't help but think of two missionaries. It will be such a good day when they finally go on a mission. So cool.  Jhizel is also now the president of the institute class that we have here. We were meeting with Gabriela the day before her baptism. We asked her how she was doing, and noticed that she had cut her hair. When we commented about it, she laughed and said, "Of course! I'm starting a new life tomorrow, I might as well look my best." What an incredible experience. She has changed so much. A night and day difference. I feel so lucky to have been a part of her story. The best part about this is that it's only the beginning. There is still so much to see -- when they go to the temple, when they leave on missions, and when they get sealed in the temple. I may live on the other side of the Atlantic, but I am going to try and be there for as much as I can.

I love this so much. I love being a part of this work. It really is so amazing. Seeing people change their lives completely. The first person that it has changed would be me.

What a great day to be a missionary!

Elder Weenig

Gabriela's Baptism with Elder Ylimaulo

Jhizel, Gabriela, Me and Elder Ylimaulo

The Alhambra

Sunday Blessings

I think that the weeks go faster and faster. This last week was amazing. Really, really amazing.

Gabriela is getting baptized on Sunday! Great experience. We were talking with Jhizel, who said that Gabriela was just waiting for the right moment (aka the 27 of March), and that she wasn't entirely sure why. So we decided that there really isn't a reason to wait, and we spoke with Gabriela about it after Gospel Principles class. She was hesitant at first, but when we proposed the idea, she agreed. So know it's the week of baptismal preparation (getting the clothes, inviting everyone, and making sure that she passes her baptismal interview).  I love baptisms. We have a lot of work to do, but we are excited for this Sunday.

Apart from that, we had a less active member that consistently commits to coming to church. But the day comes, the sacrament meeting starts, and she is never there. Up until yesterday. She had spoken with us throughout the week and seemed more confident than ever that she was coming to church. Although, we didn't really believe her (from experience) we were still praying for that miracle and it came. Sunday rolled around, and much to our surprise so did this member. It was one of those moments where you don't really know what to do so you just shake their hand and say "Hola". So cool. She has the goal to go to the temple this year and our goal with her is to get her there.

Although there was a lot of success yesterday, there was also a moment of sadness as well. Lili, who had been progressing so much, decided yesterday that she didn't want to keep coming to church. It kills us, because the night before she had told us that the only thing that was keeping her from being baptized was the Relief Society (very long story). But, we have set an appointment for this Friday, so please keep her in your prayers so that she still comes to church.

Update on Jose Juan and Sandra. Sandra left for Chile this last week and was Jose's main support system. He is still not sure about baptism. He definitely wants to wait till Sandra gets back in July to make the decision, so keep him in your prayers. 

In other, slightly less spiritual news, we have a new car! There wasn't really anything wrong with the last one other than the dents and scrapes that come from being a missionary car, but we have received the new Opel Corsa (German model.) It's fantastic. The stereo system is much better which allows for much more EFY sing-a-longs in the car.

We are excited for this next week. We are going to go help out with a District leader training meeting in Malaga this Thursday, and have a lot of people progressing. I wish I could tell you about each one individually, but the time is short and I'd really like to share how much I really love being out here. Missionary life is crazy, hectic, and stressful at times, but is also the best time of my life. I love getting to see people progress, to care about people so much that it hurts you when they say no, I love watching the change that really happens in people. It's something real. I have seen it. Just to highlight one, Jhizel. I know I've already mentioned it, but she has a legitimate plan to go on a mission, and for the first time in her life, is saving money to be able to go. That's what makes it a great day to be a missionary.

Love,
Elder Weenig

Sandra's farewell party, (we were mid transfer so the missionary
sitting next to me was with us for a little while)