Feliz año nuevo! Things have been pretty slow the last few weeks. With the holidays, most of the people here in Santiago leave to go visit their family in their native towns so we haven´t had many people to visit. We had a whopping 26 people at church on Sunday and I think even more have left the city since then. Since we are not contacting this has made this week a little bit sluggish. Who do you visit when everyone has left? haha. We´ve managed to find members here and there, less actives, and the occasional investigator in their house.
The Dominicans definitely like to party! For New Year´s Eve we went to bed at 10:30 as always (exciting life of a missionary) but our neighbors had music blasting until 7:30 the next morning. The entire city starts drinking and dancing early in the morning and doesn´t stop until early the next morning. Yesterday was pretty mellow because everyone was sleeping after the parties the night before, and we ended up sleeping most of our P day as well because we hadn´t slept much the night before either.
Yesterday was transfers. They say the 6th time´s the charm right (or is that only 3)? haha. I am staying in Nibaje C again with Hermana Santana. If they move me in February I will have spent 8.5 months here, almost half of my mission. But it wouldn´t surprise me if I stay more time. I figure that the Lord has a special mission here for me in Nibaje and that there is still something I can do. This transfer we are going to do everything possible to try and really help and strengthen the ward. We have been visiting more members and it is always amazing to see how very few understand all of the doctrine of the gospel. Sometimes there are things very simple and essential that people have failed to understand during their years in the church and they just need someone to explain it once again. Other times people just need a gentle reminder to continue to strengthen their testimony. Either way I am excited to have another 6 weeks here. Yesterday we had several members call us to see what had happened with transfers. It was Hermana Santana´s day for the phone and I just laughed as she repeated over and over again, "Yes transfers were today. Don´t worry, she´s still here. Hermana Ewell will be here for another 6 weeks. Yes, I´ll tell her that you called to make sure she stayed." And then afterward when my comp would say "I´m not sure what this poor ward will do when you finally leave. You have almost half your mission here, what do they want the full 18 months?"
As we head into this New Year I have thought a lot about the goals that we always set. I encourage you in this year to think of higher goals than just "lose 10 pounds" or "organize the house" or whatever it may be. Think of a goal that can help you come closer to Christ. One of the counselors in the bishopric this week spoke about the parable of the 10 virgens and how only 5 of them were prepared. Are we filling our lamps constantly or are we content with the oil that we have? The scriptures tell us that our knowledge is one of the only things that will rise with us in the next life. Are we increasing our knowledge so that we can act as Gods one day or are we content with the knowledge that we have? I would invite you all to make a goal to study the scriptures more and then to look for opportunities to help increase and strengthen your testimony. One of the best ways to do that is to share it. Make a goal this year to find someone that you can bring to Christ. Imagine how much the kingdom of God could grow if every member would share their happiness and knowledge with one other person!
I know that the Lord loves us. I am so grateful to be here in the Dominican Republic helping people learn more of Him and His gospel restored on the earth. We are so very blessed to have this knowledge and the priesthood keys on earth. I love telling people that we have the truth and that they can come to Christ through this wonderful church. And I´m even more grateful that while I am here trying to help change the lives of others, the Lord is changing mine. Thank you all for your wonderful support and love. Best wishes this year!
Hermana Ewell
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