We were able to have 3 intercambios this week! I had one with the sister leaders and learned a lot of new things that I want to try in our lessons. It was good to talk with an American and get her ideas on how to do things and how to face the different challenges with the culture and a native companion. Then we had another intercambio to help with the companions of the new trainers while they were in training. This only lasted a few hours but I got to know a sister from Nicaragua. And then yesterday we helped with the new missionaries again and took them out to place a few Book of Mormons. My little companion and I ended up having 6 lessons in 3 hours! I told her she was good luck because every house we knocked let us in and were interested in our message. We had a lot of really cool spiritual lessons and it was fun for me to see how far I´ve come in the last 6 weeks. When we left last transfer with the new missionaries I could understand more or less what was happening. This time I realized that I am completely comfortable with the Spanish and can teach and lead a lesson on my own without a native speaker there. I definitely don´t see my progress day by day but when I look back on a transfer I am amazed to see how far the Lord takes us in such a short amount of time.
One of the people that we contacted was a lady with a 7 year old daughter with special needs. She can´t talk much, and can´t walk or do anything else on her own. As we got to know her she said that she had met with missionaries before her daughter was born but then couldn´t continue afterward because it was hard trying to care for her and everything else. The spirit was really special in that house and I was amazed to watch the love that this woman has for her child. She literally has to do EVERYTHING for her. I really hope that we can continue to teach her and help bless this wonderful little family that we met.
Earlier in the week Hermana Ozuna and I were contacting and we met an Atheist. Pretty much everyone is Christian here so that was a unique experience. He was very much against any type of religion and just wanted to fight with us about our belief in God. When we tried bearing testimony he shot us down. So I simply told him that we needed to go. As we stood up to leave I was filled with such sadness for him and I turned and told him that God is merciful and one day he will be able to experience that mercy. I told him that I felt a sadness for him that he would never have the happiness and peace that I have in my life. As we left Hermana Ozuna and I talked about how greatful we are for the spirit and the gospel. So that even when we are in situations like that we feel a tranquilidad and can have our own testimonies strengthened of the love that Heavenly Father has for us.
Highlight of the week was Alexs baptism. He was an hour and a half late and we were super worried. Granted, most people are always super late in this country...but we were will concerned that maybe he had ditched or something had happened. But at 8 he finally showed up and it was super special. We have been working really hard with the ward to make sure that he has a support system and the ward did the entire baptism which was great. All we had to do was sit back and watch. And I think that´s how it should be. Afterward we asked him how he felt and he said he couldn´t describe it. That he just felt really really good. Sunday he was able to receive the Holy Ghost and the Aaronic Priesthood and it was so awesome to see him up there in front of everyone just smiling. We passed by the church one day and saw him playing basketball with some of the other guys in the ward. I think that was the moment most special to me. To see him part of this community. To see that others are going to help him stay active when I leave, and to see that he just fits right on in. I´m definitely grateful for the opportunity that we have had to teach him.
Well everyone, the time is about up. We had transfers today but our house is staying the same. I know...3 transfers with the same companion is a little bit insane. Not that she´s not great or that we don´t make a good team...but 4.5 months with the same person every second of every day is definitely a challenge. I know that we will do great though. Last transfer I wrote something that I liked about my companion every single night. Then I translated it and wrote it on another paper to give to Hermana Ozuna yesterday. We have our struggles and sometimes she drives me nuts and occassionally I´m apprehensive to have another 6 weeks with her, but when I saw her face as she read the 42 things that I love about her I was filled with such a love for my companion and I knew that somehow it will all work out.
The church is true. Our Heavenly Father knows and loves us so very very much. He is so incredibly aware of our situation and of our needs and strengthens us every step of every day. I am honored to be one of His representatives and so grateful for all of your support.
Hermana Ewell
 |
| Hermana Ozuna, Alex, Hermana Ewell |
 |
| Alex's Baptism |
No comments:
Post a Comment