Highlights:
We met this woman, Patty, who is interested in receiving the discussions. We met her baby and asked what his name was. Much to our surprise, she responded with, “Jose Smith.” Hna. Reyes and I turn to each other with excitement in our eyes. With a name like Jose Smith, this has got to be a sign!
We are teaching Percy (25) and Carlos (20). Carlos recently didn’t want to be baptized, as his friends from university were telling lies about the church (that we worship Joseph Smith, we don’t believe in God---there are so many misconceptions and lies about “the Mormons” that if people don’t investigate further it keeps them from receiving further truth, light and blessings). We invited them to a Family Home Evening in the house of some YSAs. The YSAs taught a lesson, we taught them some games, and we left. We got a report from the missionary leader that they stayed there until 10:00 pm, playing, and then asked questions from the members. The members were able to clear up their doubts and give them advice. Now, Carlos not only wants to change his baptism so it is one week earlier, but he wants to serve a full-time mission! Wow! What a turn-around!
The bishop has his 10th anniversary as bishop in our ward, and so we are helping organize a surprise party in his honor, with all the organizations giving a simple gift or thank you card. We are also helping the YSA get organized and function, and helping to train our ward missionaries. The laborers are few in this part of the vineyard, and they have about 4 callings a piece, so we try to do everything we can to encourage them and serve them. So many people are trying hard just to work all day to feed their families, it can be hard to add in a church calling.
Saturday night it began to rain. No, it began to pour. And we enjoyed every minute of it. The motocarristas would stop us and offer us a ride and we just kept on walking and delighting in the rain. We stopped at a store to ask for bags to protect our scriptures, and the lady offered us bread bags to put on our heads (mini poncho). We thanked her, put the bags on our heads and after we were out of sight, we took off the bags and walked in the rain some more.
I am grateful for my companion. She is teaching me and helping me so much. I love her!
God bless!
Hermana Christensen
