I Will Go and Do : Week 64: Bridgeport, CT

My first week is already almost over here in Bridgeport, CT! I absolutely love this area and couldn't be happier with my companion. (I feel like I say that a lot, I've really been blessed with the best companions). Elder Sprehn (pronounced Sprain) and I came into this area completely blind, not knowing what to expect and we already love it. The ward here is sooooo awesome and the work is going great.

My last couple of days in Springfield were the best. It was pretty hard to leave Springfield because of how many people I loved there, but I know Elder Harris will keep the miracles and work going. Djamilla is still doing amazing and is super excited to be baptized on the 30th. She has been one of my favorite investigators to teach because of how much faith she has despite the trials she has seen in her life. Rolline as well is doing great, the Elders hope to get her to church in the coming weeks. I cannot thank Elder Harris enough for all the outstanding things he taught me while I served with him. God definitely has great things in store for him and I'm so grateful I got to serve with him and learn from him.

On Wednesday, Elder Sprehn and I arrived in Bridgeport, CT. Here's a little about Elder Sprehn; he's from West Point, UT and went to Syracuse High School. He has been on his mission for 23 months and this is his last transfer. He has served in both of my past areas Warwick and Springfield. He is huge into wrestling and weight lifting. Here's a little about Bridgeport; Bridgeport is a pretty highly populated city for how small it is with around 150,000 people. There is an English ward and a Spanish Ward here. We only cover two cities, Bridgeport and Stratford. There are 2 sets of missionaries in the Spanish ward and 1 set in the English ward. Bridgeport consists of all types of ethnicities including: Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Mexicans, Jamaicans, Africans, and basically everything else. We are right on the coast and we are close to the ocean most of the time. Bridgeport is known around the mission for being a great area. Elder Sprehn and I already love it here!

Because we knew nothing about the area when we got transferred here, we made an effort to meet all the investigators that were previously being taught by the Elders and find some new investigators. The previous Elders were teaching a very funny lady named Wanda who we were able to teach twice this week. She has a baptismal date for the 30th which we will most likely have to move back, but she's very fun to teach and we hope to see her continue to progress! We taught her the Word of Wisdom yesterday and we are now helping her to stop smoking. While finding new investigators, we were also able to see a huge miracle. We received a media referral for a lady named Jackie who ordered a Bible. Saturday night we were able to meet with her and share the Restoration. She is an awesome Jamaican lady. She loved the message and agreed to be baptized and to come to church! After the lesson, she even bought us some Jamaican Jerk chicken, which is Elder Sprehn and I's favorite. We are really excited to be teaching Jackie.

Well it has been a very busy and crazy week! It has actually been very fun to "shotgun" this area. Elder Sprehn and I already have a great relationship and we hope to see at least one baptism before he goes home! Also great news from Elder Little in Amherst (my old area), Amanda, our investigator, will be getting baptized this upcoming Saturday! I love this Gospel and I truly love my Savior. The power that comes from His life is the greatest blessing I have received and I am so humble that I get to share that with those in this area. I love you all!

Love,
Elder Gutierrez