Dios da Valor

This week has been a slow one again. Dengue and chikungunya are both crazy viruses and are still working hard on us. My companion is very tired and weak all the time and sleeps most of the day and night. Luckily I only have really bad vertigo and joint pains. The members tell us that we look like two little grannies when we leave for a few hours here and there. Honestly I kind of feel like a granny as it takes me a good 30 seconds to try and kneel down or when I can't cut vegetables because my hands hurt too bad. haha. But the Lord knows what He is doing and I am learning so much. He knew that my companion would need someone who knows what foods will help raise your hemoglobin and platelet levels and how to care for someone that is recovering from Dengue. He prepared me with plenty of nutrition and nursing classes to be able to help her. He also knew the emotional stress that we would feel being missionaries and not being able to work so He gave me experiences working in a treatment center with plenty of trainings on stress management so that I would be able to carry this experience. I feel like this experience has changed who I am and I feel so humbled and blessed to be able to pass through this trial. I know it means the Lord trusts me to become someone more worthy for the kingdom and that He is preparing me for some future event when I will need these qualities that I am gaining now.
 

We were able to teach a few lessons the last week. We are working with a less active family that has now come back to church 4 weeks in a row. There is only one more thing we need to do to help them be active in the church. Erika and Deyvi were married before but got divorced after Deyvi was unfaithful...and now they live together once again with their 3 kids. We went with the branch president to talk to them about the importance of marriage and keeping the law of chastity so that they can enjoy all the blessings the Lord has prepared for them. It broke my heart as they both cried. He cried asking her forgiveness and she cried telling him she was scared to marry him again. They both love each other so much and you can see it in their actions but she is understandably cautious about taking this next step. We invited them to pray together and counsel with the Lord about what they should do. On Sunday we had a big activity with the relief society to exchange clothes and old household items that people aren't using. Erika found a dress and held it up saying, "Would this look good for my wedding?" We haven't been able to teach them because they were also sick with the chikungunya...but we are taking that comment as a good sign!
 

We are also working with another less active named Victor. He was baptized less than a year ago and is incredible! The only reason he is less active is that he feels that he needs to be perfect. He has been coming back to church the last few weeks as well and this week he gave us permission to start teaching his daughter to prepare her to be baptized on her birthday in July. I have never seen so much love between a father and daughter (the mom abandoned them when Veronica was only a few days old) and I absolutely love this little family! Last week we had a great lesson about the priesthood with him and his home teacher invited him to bless the sacrament on Sunday. They practiced during the week and when Sunday came...Victor didn't show up. When we called he said it was because he didn't feel 100% ready. We had an awesome lesson planned yesterday about the power of the atonement but my companion was sick. Hopefully we will be able to teach them later in the week and help Victor know that the Savior loves and accepts us as we are because He knows that it is only through His help that we can reach our full potential.
 

One of our investigators is a young Haitian family who just had their first baby a few weeks ago. Blanquita (the wife) came to church with her little baby this week. I was amazed at her example of faith to walk so far with a baby so young to be able to attend church. The members were wonderful and welcomed her with arms wide open and everyone helped with the baby boy. Later on, she came to the activity. When I asked her if she had found some things that would work for her she smiled and said, "I found lots of things but I wasn't looking for myself. I know a few families that live by me that have a lot more need than we do." It never ceases to amaze me when I see the wonderful examples of charity, humility, and love here. Blanquita and Kenni live in a 2 room house with no windows or running water and there she was looking to help someone else. It is absolutely incredible.

I love the mission. We are working hard and learning a lot. I love the examples that I see in the wonderful people here. Look for the blessings in your life and take time to thank the Lord for each one of them. You will be amazed what you find. Love you all! Have a wonderful week!
 

Hermana Ewell


Hi Brother and Sister Ewell~

My name is Hermana Fagersten.  My husband and I are serving as
missionaries in the Conani Branch with your daughter.  We are from
Cedar Falls, Iowa.

We thought you might enjoy a couple of photos of the Conani District.
We have enjoyed Sister Ewell so much.  She has been the impetus for
the work to be moving forward here in the Conani Branch.  Her
enthusiasm, love of the gospel, and desires to share it with everyone
has enabled this branch to see the fruits of her and her companion's
labors.

The people here love her as do I.  Nothing is too hard for her and she
truly puts the Lord first.  She is an inspired servant of our Heavenly
Father.  You can be very proud of her and the great work she has
accomplished on her mission.

Fondly,
Hermana Fagersten