Elder Jason Riches

Week Seventy: A Simi Thanksgiving #2 (16 Month Mark Today) November 26, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Before I get on to what's happened on my return to Simi I have some pretty cool stuff to report on my final hours in Paso Robles.

As we were saying goodbye to the Lisonbee family we found out that she had talked with her sister about her desire to be baptized which was huge since that's been the main thing holding her back! Elder Kennedy and I felt that it was finally time and we were able to commit her for baptisim February 23!!! It's mainly so far out because it's her birthday month and her family might come for that! We also talked with our friend Katryna about baptisim. There's still some things to work on, but she has the desire.

Things have been good here in Simi. It's crazy being back here. On Sunday I was able to see a lot of familiar faces and there were some people who still recognized me. A lot of what's happened has been meeting the people in this area. There's a lot of good people here and there's also a lot of work to do, but with the new schedule and with effort I think we can see miracles.

There's been some progress made this week. We taught someone named Gita the plan of salvation and she's now a new person being taught! We also had a fourth floor, last door experience. We knocked an entire street and at the last house we knocked on we met Gus who met with missionaries a long time ago. He's pretty open, and we're hoping to be able to work with him soon!

In another bit of exciting news, I don't know if any of you remember Olivia from the last time I was in Simi, but I heard from the missionaries that have been teaching her that she's planning on baptisim and would like me to attend! She doesn't have a date yet, but I imagine it won't be long.

I had a great time during my second Thanksgiving in Simi Valley. We were able to have a great dinner with the Maranto family and spend time getting to know them.

That's pretty much my week. I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving and that you have a great week!

Until next time,

Elder Jason Riches