So, I wrote the whole letter
and the computer crashed and I lost it all. I don´t have much time to write
more and I am so frustrated! But the
ironic thing was my letter started with this quote, ¨Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who seem to
have a way of learning from difficult times become stronger, wiser, and happier
as a result.¨
Ha-ha,
so right now I am really going to try and not curse this computer and laugh it
off and try to learn from it. :)
However
here is a real quick rundown off the week.
Lots
of difficulties and discouragements this week. But three specific discouragements
where I became stronger, wiser and happier.
Stronger-
this week we lost all the light in our house- we live in a little cabana behind
an inactive member and when we entered she was so scared because it was dark,
it was just her and the kids and it was late at night. We sang a hymn, and
explained how in our life we have times of obscurity and darkness. But how He
is our light.
The
rest of the night, the morning and on and off this week we didnt have light (because
the wires were so cold) but as we studied, read our scriptures, cooked and
showered in darkness it was a constant reminder of this lesson, that He is our
light.
Wiser-
the last month we have done a million street contacts and this week I took to the
streets with a new thought. I acted and treated every contact like we have been
dear and best of friends for years. I laughed and smiled and testified as I
would with you. And when I contact with a purpose and with a love, all are
happier, and more receptive. I´m a little wiser than last week as I´ve
looked at every person, as a person, a friend, a brother and a son or daughter
of God. 
Happier-
One day of rain, no houses and no people. Rain and rain and lots of wet dogs.
We were searching for one apartment for 45 minutes and I was wet, cold, it was
dark and I was done. So we went to give up when my darling companion explained
the ever common and dear words ¨just one more time.¨ So we offered a little
prayer to be led to the person He had prepared for- right there under our umbrellas
in the street with the dogs and headed off. And no... We didn't find the
apartment. But we did find another man who had the perfect questions about
life, eternal families and baptism. Needless to say we were more than a little
happy to find one person who would not only listen to us, but also listen to
questions. This was joy. But the golden part was this man is the Chilean Will
Smith. Yes. He has the same swagger as Will and is hilarious. What a joy. What
a gem.
I
love the quote from Elder Worthlin- if I remember correctly he explains, "In
spite of the rough, in spite of the discouragement, in spite of (the rain,
crashed computers, not having people interested, slammed doors, fleas and dogs
and broken Spanish.) In spite of this- those who are happy are those who learn.”
In
this month’s and this week’s adventures, I´m stronger, a little wiser and so so
happy.
The
church is true. God lives. And he speaks.
I
love you.
xoxo
Hermana Ball
P.S.
We
made some peanut butter cookies from Gma Simpkins and they were golden. These
crazy Chileans are crazy for peanut butter. And my companion really didnt know
the joys of pb before living with me. I’m proud to explain she’s a pb-oholic
and were living the ‘Mercian dream.
Hna
P- the rock star. This week we found out she has cancer and she is facing it
with style, with faith and with a lot of laughs and strength. She is a new
convert to the church and I am so grateful to be here with her during this
crazy time. What a gem.
We
had a ward activity ¨Fiesta de los gringos¨ where, we 3 gringos in the ward, taught
all the finer points of the game “signs” and pancakes with peanut butter
(again, they go crazy for this gem), nutella, fruit, whip cream and syrup. So
fun! (And we had 2 of our investigators assist the activity! wooohoo.)
Also,
I taught everyone the whip cream game where it’s in our hand and you smack your
arm and it goes flying and you got to catch it in your mouth. Oh, these grown
men. The joy. The joy.
We
left yesterday with one of the girls from the ward- such a gem, with such a
strong testimony. Also strong feet- hah! First time leaving with the
missionaries and she left in high heels, in the rain and mud for miles and
miles and miiiiles. Ha-ha. Love.
Also
this week I got a package from mom, love the scarf and pin from Ireland. And 2
letters from grandma ball. And the beeeest surprise package from Evelyn with
gems from Peru! Defiantly felt the love!
So
much love. xoxoxo
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