Thomas and his companion, Elder Poole.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
From September 28, 2015
Hello! thanks for the messages this week.
Yesterday President Nuckols was out in Barahona to interview 2 women we are teaching for their baptisms this next saturday. "Alice" and "Melissa.". I have some pictures, but my computer doesn't have usb ports, so maybe next week i can get some to you.
I have learned a lot from her example of discipleship. When opposition comes we need to fall to upon our knees and counsel with our loving Heavenly Father. Then push. Obey and serve unceasingly. As we consult His guidance and do what is right, He illuminates the way and straightens our paths.
Hello! thanks for the messages this week.
Yesterday President Nuckols was out in Barahona to interview 2 women we are teaching for their baptisms this next saturday. "Alice" and "Melissa.". I have some pictures, but my computer doesn't have usb ports, so maybe next week i can get some to you.
Melissa is 47 years old. She is single and has 3 daughters. Elder Reynoso and I received her as a referral 6 months ago. She loved the message. She has an awesome testimony. However she has passed through a LOT to get to where she is. She has had several family members die, broke her ankle, lost her glasses, got the flu, her house flooded, and now has spinal problems. All in 6 months. Pretty bizarre. But even then she has stayed strong and looks forward to enduring to the end as a faithful, happy disciple of Christ.
I have learned a lot from her example of discipleship. When opposition comes we need to fall to upon our knees and counsel with our loving Heavenly Father. Then push. Obey and serve unceasingly. As we consult His guidance and do what is right, He illuminates the way and straightens our paths.
I love my Heavenly Father. I am grateful that He is so patient with me. With everyone. So much that he offered us an advocate, Jesus Christ. I know that if we repent, and accept the grace and mercy of the Lord, he will justify us before God. How grand is that blessing?
Take time this week to consider your challenges, counsel with the Lord, and accept His grace to make changes in your lives.
Love,
Thomas
Monday, September 28, 2015
God Speaks to our Hearts and our Minds
From September 21, 2015
At the end of the street there was one house. We both simultaneously said, "lets contact it!" We walked up to the gate in front and started pounding on the iron bars with a coin. Silence. Then a light flipped on. We shouted "saludos! Buenas noches!" thinking "please..somebody come!" We waited a few seconds and then the front door opened. a man came out. clearly not Dominican. He opened up the iron gates and let us in his house. He said his name is "Greg" from Madrid. He then presented us to his wife and 1.5 year old son. They were extraordinarily friendly and genuine! We had a lot of fun getting to know them and there was an overwhelming warmth in the house. we felt great. He was very bright and listened intently as we spoke with the spirit. Elder Poole and I felt 100000% guided by the Holy Ghost. The Spirit was burning there.
About 5 weeks ago, Elder Poole and I finished our pday activities and to our "delight" came too quickly sad realization that we have zero appointments from 6-9 pm that night. Not the preferred pday evening lineup. However we decided to buck up and go find some people to teach the following Monday night.
We set out on a hunt. For the first 2 hours we found nothing. Nobody was interested. Some drunks, some domino players, and the rest were "busy" eating. At a loss we decided to go up a road we had contacted a bit before and see if anybody was home. We walked up the road, not stopping at a single house. We just felt like we needed to keep going.
At the end of the street there was one house. We both simultaneously said, "lets contact it!" We walked up to the gate in front and started pounding on the iron bars with a coin. Silence. Then a light flipped on. We shouted "saludos! Buenas noches!" thinking "please..somebody come!" We waited a few seconds and then the front door opened. a man came out. clearly not Dominican. He opened up the iron gates and let us in his house. He said his name is "Greg" from Madrid. He then presented us to his wife and 1.5 year old son. They were extraordinarily friendly and genuine! We had a lot of fun getting to know them and there was an overwhelming warmth in the house. we felt great. He was very bright and listened intently as we spoke with the spirit. Elder Poole and I felt 100000% guided by the Holy Ghost. The Spirit was burning there.
Towards the end Greg explained that his mind thinks in numbers, constantly adding, subtracting, multiplying, digging for patterns. He went on to say that he doesn't believe in God. He believes in science. However, the day we showed up he found 26 anomalies. 26 pure coincidences. He relayed them to us. They were complicated, but to him it all made sense. He couldn't figure out how they all happened, and then out of nowhere we show up as messengers from God. He felt something. He knew something was right. We continued teaching them. He opened up. He would stay up for nights studying the Book of Mormon, wikipedia, and Christianity sites, trying to explain what had happened. Why he felt so different.
This past week he told us that God exists. That my companion and I are here to guide him, that he wants to follow. He wants to know. It has been incredible. The Lord revealed himself to Greg and Beth that only they could understand. And to wrap it all up, they visited Church yesterday. I have a picture. I cant get it to you know sadly, but next week I will send it.
I know that God loves each of His children. He communicates to us. Always has, always will. I love to be a part of His great and marvelous work in these last days.
Love,
Elder Girgenti
Peace in the Temple of the Lord
From September 14, 2015
Hello,
Hello,
Had a great week! This past Wednesday we woke up at 2 am, jumped into a rolling sardine can (bus), and shot out to the capital. It was a miserable ride. One of the most sickening, painful, and smelly of my life. I hope to never relive it. But it was worth it.
At 8:30 am we entered into the Temple. Both the zones of San Juan and Barahona. It was a great experience. The Temple is the House of the Lord. I love the spirit inside and the things the Lord teaches me
I am running low on time. I am sorry! I know this Gospel is true. I know that pure peace is felt when we follow Christ as best we can. I love my Savior
Love, Thomas
Families Getting Bapitized
From September 14, 2015
This is my favorite picture from my mission. I just got this from Elder Wong (Who is now my zone leader haha) .
Love,
This is my favorite picture from my mission. I just got this from Elder Wong (Who is now my zone leader haha) .
This is the dear family I taught in Santana. The man in the baptismal suit is "Casey", he got baptized with his wife by Elder Schoenfeld my first week in the field. His wife ("Amanda") is the woman in the pink skirt. The woman on the far left "Melissa", she is Amanda's youngest sister. Elder Schoenfeld and I started teaching her in Februrary and Elder Wong and his companion baptized her 2 weeks after I left to Barahona. The younger woman in the center is "Claire". I worked with her with both of my companions unceasingly during my 6 months in Santana. She knew the Church was true. The most spiritual experience of my mission ocurred while teaching her. However, because of circumstances in her family she chose not to be baptized. But, about a month ago now, she finally decied to be baptized by her father (Casey). They are an incredible family.
Love,
Thomas
The Cleansing Power of the Atonement
From September 7, 2015
Hello all,
Hello all,
We had another good week tearing it up in Barahona. We are finding some great new people. I will fill you in one one great experience.
A few weeks ago we found a couple. Their names are "Dave"and "Mary" They're about 30 years old. In the first visit we shared the restoration. It was so spiritual. They felt greatly impacted. As did we.
The next time we showed up, we talked for about a minute and an overwhelming impression came to my mind - "put a baptismal date". Right then and there we invited them to be baptized. They lit up. Dave shared that he has had a very difficult and dangerous life. But ever since the first visit, feelings of vengence, anguish, hate, and street temptations had been surpressed greatly. He felt spiritual relief since the first visit. He and his wife decided to be baptized on the 21st of November!
Since then we have had some great talks. He more than anything wants to be cleansed. He wants to become clean with God and start his life over. That is EXACLTY what the Gospel of Jeus Christ is about. Then this past Saturday we visited with a member. She taught the atonement. The Spirit once again filled the space. Dave began crying. He shared that he feels humbled before God and will do anything to reconcile. He has developed Godly sorrow. He is developing a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We invited him to repent. he accepted. He is changing. He is coming unto the Lord Jesus Christ.
I know that because Jesus Christ lives, we can too. We can experience full forgiveness and relief if we come unto Him. I know He can sanctify us. I have felt it.
Accept The Lord's invitation to repent, be baptized, recive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end.
I love you!
Elder Girgenti
A Week of Miracles
From August 31, 2015
This week has been a week I will remember forever. Simply incredible.
This week has been a week I will remember forever. Simply incredible.
As a mission we have a goal of 1 baptism per month per area. It's been slow, so President Nuckols in a recent conference got us pumped and set a goal of a baptism per companionship in November.
Elder Poole and I set out this week to find those souls who would be baptized in November.
We had several miraculous experiences regarding this goal, but I will share just one for time´s sake.
On Wednesday night we visited an investigator named "Maria." She is in her 40´s, a teacher, and loves God. We spoke about the Pre-Earth life. She LOVED it! She felt so refreshed and enlightened by what she learned. The Spirit was there.
Then, as we were wrapping up, Elder Poole out of nowhere extended a baptism invitation. I was a little surprised, and so was Maria. She said, "Well, you guys have done your part, you have given me the books, extended the invitations, shared the doctrine, etc". Her tone got lower and lower. I had heard this before. Last time I heard it a golden investigator dropped us. I felt sick. I decided the only thing I could do was pray my heart out. That's what I did. She continued, "Now it's just my time to act. It's up to me now!" Her tone livened up, I was feeling relieved. The Lord was working on her. I saw it. Then with a downspun tone she said, "You both know this, but I have already been baptized in the Catholic church." My heart shattered. She had not understood what we taught nor testified. I prayed the hardest I have prayed in my life. Begging with everything I had that she would see the light. I put everything in God's hands. She then said..."And you know? I think God is showing me a new path. I think this is the right thing for me. I have felt so much closer to Him. I know that he wants me to continue forward." "Maria, would you be baptized?" "Yes, I would love to. When?"
I was amazed, utterly shocked, and KNEW that God made that happen. He answered my prayers. My faith has grown exponentialy this week. Heavenly Father built my confidence in Him immensely. I want you, my family, to experience the same.
On last cool thing I read during my study this week. Enos 8-11. As we invite the Lord to perform in our lives and see Him perform, our faith becomes unbreakable. If we do this as a family, we will have UNBREAKABLE faith. Enos 15-17. As we continue this process of faith, we receive a fulness of peace that drives us to Godliness.
The Lord has performed, does perform, and will always perform. If our faith permits.
Love,
Thomas
Tropical Storms Danny and Erica
From August 31, 2015
This is the public announcement from Elder Girgenti. For the crowds.
This is the public announcement from Elder Girgenti. For the crowds.
I am sure you are all wondering about Hurricanes Danny and Erica.
Danny- cloudy afternoon. No rain. Barahona remained a barren, dusty desert.
Erica- Friday morning assistants called and said to be alert and ready to get home. We heard that the capital got hit hard and waited for the storm to come in from the east to barahona. At 6pm we got the call to wrap up the day, which was a bummer because it felt GREAT outside (cooler, windy, overcast, etc). We went home. After about an hour it started raining. The hard storm hit for about an hour and a half and then calmed back down to a normal rain storm. It rained all night. There was no damage in Barahona. A couple small banana trees got broken, but that's all. Our house was just fine surpisingly! We expected it to flood, but it stayed totally dry. Everything around us did flood though during the night. A lot of the people we teach we awake all night long, wading through their houses, sadly. BUT, no serious problems.
Hopefully that calms your souls. It's been regular work days since saturday morning!
This week we had some miraculous experiences. We found 3 people who accepted baptismal dates, the members left with us, and it rained in the desert of Barahona!
Love, Thomas
Birthday Treat and the Power of the Atonement
From August 24, 2015
Thank you for the updates, glad you are all well.
Thank you for the updates, glad you are all well.
On my birthday we got a ride to the capital from the mission office couple, the Thompsons. Very fun. Somehow we managed to take a wrong turn and we went all the way up to San Juan hahahaha. I guess I have now been to the entire south. We got to the captial at about 8 pm. We stayed with President and Sister Nuckols house for the night, which was a treat. Their home is 1st world style. Has closets, furniture, a full size fridge, hot water, rugs, wood cieling fans, glass shower doors, not-broken mirrors in the bathrooms, etc. DELIGHTFUL. At about 10:20, President called my companion and I to come downstairs. As we came down, the office elders, assistants, and the nuckols sang happy birthday. Sister Nuckols made a delicious chocolate cake, and I got the package you sent. Thanks! It was a memorable birthday. They took care of us well.
This week we had a great focus on baptism and persevering to the end. When we are baptized we covenant to God that we will take Christ's name upon us, remember Christ always, and keep all of His commandments. This covenant demands perfection. The Lord expects us to try our best. However as hard as we try, we fail. We are human. It's inevitable. Luckily, Jesus established a manner to renew our baptismal covenant and start over fresh- The Sacrament. When we take the sacrament each 7 days we reconciliate with God and are sanctified. We become one again wiht Him. I felt the power of this renewal on Sunday. The freshness and relief was incredible. I know that true, continual peace is only possible through Jesus Christ and his atonement. It's real.
To all those who may be struggling, weary, wandering, or trying- keep going. Do what you can these next 5 days and make it to Sunday. Ask God to make the sacrament a sweet experience. He will. The bread and water truly bring salvation to the soul and joy to the spirit. I know that.
Follow the Lord's invitation:
A Little Barahona Humor
From August 17, 2015
Hello Family,
I read all of your emails! They're awesome! Really cracking me up!
We had some bizarre experiences his week. I will share a recurring experience that only happens in Barahona.
In a pocket of our area called Palmarito all of the kids between the ages of 4 and ...40 love to ask us the same question - "Quiere Cafe?" or in English, "you want coffee??" Each night the Elders in the house come home and we spend a good half hour talking about all the witty respoonses we could come up with. One of the favorites is the following conversation:
Kid- "you want coffee?"
Elder- "You want to be baptized?"
Kid- "no"
Elder- "well neither do i want coffee"
Sounds a little wittier in Spanish, but you get the idea.
This week we had a zone conference and really had my mind opened and rearranged. Elder Poole and I have resolved to do anything and everything to get people to be baptized. As we have made serious efforts to save souls, the Lord has worked miracles. This week has been filled with small, perfectly functioning miracles. Things that only could have happened by divine intervention. I know that we are commissioned by Jesus Christ to save our brothers and sisters. I love this work. There is no other place I would rather be.
Love Thomas
The Book of Mormon Testifies of Christ
From August 10, 2015
Hello family!
This was a cool week! We have been working with some really great people. I will fill you in on one.
I will call her Jennifer, though that's not her real name. These are sometimes personal stories and I want to respect her privacy.
Jennifer is the mother of a recent convert. Jennifer is single, about 55 years old, and sells Avon products to get by. She and her family live in very humble circumstances. About 2 months ago we went by her house one evening to visit her daughter. She wasn't there, so we planned on leaving. But right as I was about to say, "we will come by another day," Elder Reynoso felt the need to invite Angela to church.
As we began talking she shared with us that she loves the Mormon church and the people. She has visited and been baptized in many churches, but feels that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the most just, well organized, and "produces rich fruits". We were pleasantly surprised. She received an answer from the Lord in her own way that this church is the kingdom of God on the earth!
We had a super cool experience this week with her too! We showed up to her house and found a "mas o menos activo" woman (struggling member), named "Lisa", visiting her. Jennifer had 2 days prior received a Book of Mormon and we asked how her studying has gone. She repeated back everything to us with great excitement and thrill. She shared how Joseph smith received the ancient records of the American prophets through the angel Moroni. As she said that, an overwhelming Spirit entered into the hearts of everyone there. Jennifer about jumped out her chair she was so excited! She then started saying/yelling/worshipping "Hallelujah! Glory to God! His presence is here! This book is true! Oh Hallelujah! Holy God! Jehovah!!" She went on like that for about 3 minutes and gradually got louder, until the people walking in front of the house even began to stop and listen! It was pretty funny, but she really did feel the witness of The Holy Ghost and expressed it as she knew how to. She felt full of the joy that The Book of Mormon brings!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church of God. And it has proof - the Book of Mormon. I invite all to read it. Try it out! Those who read it with a desire to know more of God will receive a testimony of its truth through the power of the Holy Ghost. I bear this eternal truth in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I love you all!
Thomas
Hello family!
This was a cool week! We have been working with some really great people. I will fill you in on one.
I will call her Jennifer, though that's not her real name. These are sometimes personal stories and I want to respect her privacy.
Jennifer is the mother of a recent convert. Jennifer is single, about 55 years old, and sells Avon products to get by. She and her family live in very humble circumstances. About 2 months ago we went by her house one evening to visit her daughter. She wasn't there, so we planned on leaving. But right as I was about to say, "we will come by another day," Elder Reynoso felt the need to invite Angela to church.
As we began talking she shared with us that she loves the Mormon church and the people. She has visited and been baptized in many churches, but feels that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the most just, well organized, and "produces rich fruits". We were pleasantly surprised. She received an answer from the Lord in her own way that this church is the kingdom of God on the earth!
We had a super cool experience this week with her too! We showed up to her house and found a "mas o menos activo" woman (struggling member), named "Lisa", visiting her. Jennifer had 2 days prior received a Book of Mormon and we asked how her studying has gone. She repeated back everything to us with great excitement and thrill. She shared how Joseph smith received the ancient records of the American prophets through the angel Moroni. As she said that, an overwhelming Spirit entered into the hearts of everyone there. Jennifer about jumped out her chair she was so excited! She then started saying/yelling/worshipping "Hallelujah! Glory to God! His presence is here! This book is true! Oh Hallelujah! Holy God! Jehovah!!" She went on like that for about 3 minutes and gradually got louder, until the people walking in front of the house even began to stop and listen! It was pretty funny, but she really did feel the witness of The Holy Ghost and expressed it as she knew how to. She felt full of the joy that The Book of Mormon brings!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church of God. And it has proof - the Book of Mormon. I invite all to read it. Try it out! Those who read it with a desire to know more of God will receive a testimony of its truth through the power of the Holy Ghost. I bear this eternal truth in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I love you all!
Thomas
Howdy Ya'll
From August 3, 2015
Excuse my Texan! With 3 other Americans in my house I get crap all the time for having very little Texan attributes. Sometimes gotta get back to those roots.
Excuse my Texan! With 3 other Americans in my house I get crap all the time for having very little Texan attributes. Sometimes gotta get back to those roots.
My message will be very brief this week. I just want to express the greatness of a family. Families are ordained of God. A man and a woman and their children. It is the perfect, divine unit for learning the Gospel, practicing righteousness, and going through life. In it is found the absolutely most powerful and motivating happiness and peace. I have felt that. I feel it. And i am grateful that I will always be able to enjoy those blessings. I can't remember who siad this in the October general conference, but the quote was something along the lines of "I dont know if the titles of bishop, president, or counselor will exist in the eternities, but i DO know that mother, father, sister, brother will." Please strive consistantly to strenghten your families. Live the Gospel the best you can together.
Love,
Thomas
Learning About Faith
From July 27, 2015
Hello! I read all of your letters! It sounds like you are all doing very well and happy to be home. Thanks for updating me on family and friend changes, interesting to hear about "mi gente."
This week with Elder Poole was great! Tearing it up out here. Some of the days have been very hard. but hey, I'm alive (Dominican thing to say). We are now teaching many new people
Hello! I read all of your letters! It sounds like you are all doing very well and happy to be home. Thanks for updating me on family and friend changes, interesting to hear about "mi gente."
This week with Elder Poole was great! Tearing it up out here. Some of the days have been very hard. but hey, I'm alive (Dominican thing to say). We are now teaching many new people
Something interesting that I thought a lot about this week that really impacted me was faith. I have learned that the faith I have is not sufficient for what this work demands. Which has been hard. But humbling. And I am learning to trust in Heavenly Father more. As a result I have delved into an extensive journey to better understand faith and make mine grow, and help others cultivate their own. The Lord has taught me a lot as I have sought to know more.
One of the key aspects of faith and developing it is putting our will in line with Gods. First that requires that we learn God's will, second it requires that we sacrifice everything to be 100% compliant with His will. And as we grow in understanding, our responsibility towards Him grows. It ain't easy. But its do-able.
I encourage you all this week to analyze your faith. Create a vision of where you want to be, and make changes necessary to learn of God's will and subject yourselves to it.
I love you. Thank you so much for your prayers. They help.
Thomas
PS - here's a pic of Elder Poole, me, and Pres. and Sister Nuckols
Led by the Spirit
From July 20, 2015
This week was great! Elder Reynoso and I went to the capital on Monday night. We got to drive through Santana which was awesome! On Tuesday morning we went to the "transfer chapel" in the capital and said our goodbyes. Shortly after the trainer-trainee meeting began which was great!
My companion is Elder Poole. He is 18 years old, from Murray, Utah, knows no Spanish, and left to the DR on the day of his high school graduation- yikes! He interned as a veterinarion and has all sorts of crazy stories. He had to take out a dog's eyes one time! I will tell you how that surgery works next year.
Elder Poole likes to work HARD. This week we were out in the street talking to EVERYONE. Contacting the whole world. We found many new people and families who graciously accepted us and are very interested in learning more about how the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ can make their families safer, happier, and more harmonious. Exciting!
We really learned this week about relying on The Spirit. On Saturday night we ran fullspeed into a 50 ft tall mental wall. We had no idea where to go. All of our visits had fallen through. No single person came to mind, nor a location. We felt stuck! We decided to just get walking towards the center of our area. As we got closer we began carefully contemplasting each turn at every intersection. And we kept doing that from intersection to intersection, without really knowing to where we were even headed. We began approaching our home. We thought maybe the Elders who were sick needed our help. However as we came to the intersection of the house, we both felt an impression to go in the direction in the direction opposite of the house.
We spun around, looked up the street, immediatley looked at each other and said simultaneously - "we need to go to that big pink house." We walked up the road towards "the big, pink house". When we arrived the front door was open, so we yelled hello and waited. Quickly, an elderly woman came out and said, come in! Sit down! I will get you guys some water!"
We sat down in the patio in front with her and got talking. She shared that the missionaries before had shared with her but for some reason didn't return. We shared some of the messages and the Holy Ghost flooded the house. By the end we all felt so overwhelmed and didn't know what to say. We finished with a prayer and set a return appointment. We needed to be there. We were led there. I dont know what the Lord has in mind for her. I dont know what will happen in the future, but I do know because of the Spirit that we were in the right place at exactly the right time.
God wants the best for us. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ to bring us home. Our Savior has invited us many times to repent and come unto him. As we live His gospel He helps us and strengthens us, even purifies us. And He gives us a portion of his Spirit.
I love you all
Thomas
This week was great! Elder Reynoso and I went to the capital on Monday night. We got to drive through Santana which was awesome! On Tuesday morning we went to the "transfer chapel" in the capital and said our goodbyes. Shortly after the trainer-trainee meeting began which was great!
My companion is Elder Poole. He is 18 years old, from Murray, Utah, knows no Spanish, and left to the DR on the day of his high school graduation- yikes! He interned as a veterinarion and has all sorts of crazy stories. He had to take out a dog's eyes one time! I will tell you how that surgery works next year.
Elder Poole likes to work HARD. This week we were out in the street talking to EVERYONE. Contacting the whole world. We found many new people and families who graciously accepted us and are very interested in learning more about how the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ can make their families safer, happier, and more harmonious. Exciting!
We really learned this week about relying on The Spirit. On Saturday night we ran fullspeed into a 50 ft tall mental wall. We had no idea where to go. All of our visits had fallen through. No single person came to mind, nor a location. We felt stuck! We decided to just get walking towards the center of our area. As we got closer we began carefully contemplasting each turn at every intersection. And we kept doing that from intersection to intersection, without really knowing to where we were even headed. We began approaching our home. We thought maybe the Elders who were sick needed our help. However as we came to the intersection of the house, we both felt an impression to go in the direction in the direction opposite of the house.
We spun around, looked up the street, immediatley looked at each other and said simultaneously - "we need to go to that big pink house." We walked up the road towards "the big, pink house". When we arrived the front door was open, so we yelled hello and waited. Quickly, an elderly woman came out and said, come in! Sit down! I will get you guys some water!"
We sat down in the patio in front with her and got talking. She shared that the missionaries before had shared with her but for some reason didn't return. We shared some of the messages and the Holy Ghost flooded the house. By the end we all felt so overwhelmed and didn't know what to say. We finished with a prayer and set a return appointment. We needed to be there. We were led there. I dont know what the Lord has in mind for her. I dont know what will happen in the future, but I do know because of the Spirit that we were in the right place at exactly the right time.
God wants the best for us. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ to bring us home. Our Savior has invited us many times to repent and come unto him. As we live His gospel He helps us and strengthens us, even purifies us. And He gives us a portion of his Spirit.
I love you all
Thomas
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