¨God our eternal father lives and loves us. He
is indeed our Father, and He is personal and real. May we realize how close to
us He is willing to come, how far He is willing to go to help us, and how much
He loves us. ¨ -President Monson.
Happy President Monson's birthday week!
This week I kicked it. Oh, I am so happy with
this week. It was a lot of work but it ROCKED.
Ok, just a quick list of my favorite
lessons.
-Knocking doors before one of our appointments
and it was the ever-classic ¨just one more door- what do you think? ¨ So we
look at the whole apartment building I’m all- "that one." (Because there was a light and it was the only apartment with colored curtains.) So we knock
and give our spiel to the man- he explains how he has a friend who is Mormon. And we ask if
he would like to know more about what she believes and if there is a day we can
pass by that is good for him? That’s when he’s all excited and invites us in
right then. (This is Chile- this never happens) well we chat a bit, testify of
the book of Mormon and have to scram for our other lesson. But finish with
everyone in a kneeling prayer that was given so dear from him.
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| dinner Chilean style |
Then the other
day we went back to visit and he and his wife are the best! I felt like we were
just visiting members. Everything is golden- except they are super evangelical. But the doctrine is always the answer- I am so excited to teach them
more! We ended our last lesson by singing "I believe in Christ" and the spirit was so strong-
golden. I have high hopes for this dear, best, young little couple.
Also remember A and H- from our English
classes? Well they are just coming along. And it's gold. I love watching this
change in people. We taught about the priesthood and authority to them with one of the
members. And it was so great! The member was able to testify of the priesthood in her life-
as her husband has it. And we were able to testify that if he knows this church
is true and has this correct priesthood he will be able to receive the same
priesthood, the very priesthood and authority of Jesus Christ. Super
powerful.
We also visited the poorest part of our
sector- sometimes it is hard to visit this part. But we were knocking doors and
only one door opened in the whole area. He is a 15 boy and we taught about José Smith and the first vision. We then committed him to praying, like José did, to
know. I love lessons in the street or doorstep so much. They are always short
and to the point but so interesting and really spiritual because we really don’t
know these people, but we know what they need and it’s a joy!
We also got to work a little in the sunshine (that’s
right! it really isn’t much- and I still sleep in all my winter clothes (the
same I used when we went skiing ha-ha)- but its sunshine. We did a little
service with the owner of our house and fixed our garden up- it was a mess and
all weedy and such. And now we´ve got the rose bushes planted- because you know
¨mama loves the roses. She growed them in her little Chilean yard¨ (An Elvis song for those who have no idea what she is talking about)
But we taught about how faith is like a seed
and how we need good terrain- she probably thought we were super spiritual and
all but we pretty much just explained all of Alma 32. Ha-ha. It was a morning
of sun, and jeans (for the 2nd time in months and months!)
We had intercambios (splits with other missionaries) with the Hermana Lideres and Hna Nielsen, and it was rocking. I love them. We really got along great and kicked
it. We had 3 miracles this day. The first was a contact we stopped in the
street. We gave him a pass along card with the question ¨how can I know
if God has a plan for me? ¨And mormon.org. I asked him if he has ever
questioned this and he explained how he heard this exact question the other day
and has been wondering about it ever since. How he is studying in the university and
working and wants to know what God has in store for him. (whaaaaaat?)
Then C and A. We have been trying to
meet with them for whatever amount of time and we passed by and had the
craziest lesson. This what the first time I meet A (the boyfriend) and the
first time I talked to C for more than 4 minutes in the street. We taught
the whole restoration and then explained about families and marriage. They are hesitant to marry because they are nervous- but I explained how this
is the first step to show God you are serious about the relationship working-
it's a promise to each other and a promise to God. Then how baptism is the
second step- how it's the same and promise and how this more than anything will
strengthen their relationship. (Ha-ha look at me giving grown up relationship
advice.) But really. They have a baptismal date at the end of September
to work towards and have promised to start praying together!
Then we ended the day with F and
H. It was H's birthday and we taught about the plan of salvation
and a focus on eternal marriage. They bought rings for the wedding! (Woohoo its
getting serious!) And it was so darling. The lesson, them, and just the spirit
of love and excitement. Truly I believe the best present we could have given
her- the promise of eternal families! Woohoo.
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| our mamita |
Then on Sunday we had 8 people who promised to come to church with us- but the first 2 hours of classes
passed and no one had shown up. I was so frustrated and just holding back tears
because I had so much hope and faith and worked so hard with them. We started the first
hymn in sacrament and C and A and their sons walked in and I seriously
can’t explain how giddy I was. Oh the best- then a little later A and
H came in and they were so cute and so excited and nervous.
After the reunion the whole branch went over
and welcomed them- took them on tours and invited them to more activities or
their houses. It was crazy to see the excitement of this branch to have so many
new people in the church!
Also this week we went to a Catholic
funeral. It was interesting and so pretty. I especially love the little cathedral
and the music. It was interesting to hear their take on the plan of salvation
and we definitely stood out! But it was so nice and I love the plan of
salvation.
Let's see here- little gems of the week.
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| My companion from my branch |
Yesterday we went on splits with Hermana’s
from the branch- I got the funniest of looks walking down the street with my little
companion :)
Also, can I just tell you how much I love my mamita?
She is a hoot- mom and dad your going to love her.
Also, everyday we walk by the prison to get to
the other part of our sector- have I mentioned how much I love this area. Rio
Bueno is super random and super the best.
FUNNY
Also, I attached photos from the intercambio
when we went down to the houses in the ¨jungle¨ but not really. I just can’t
remember the word for "by the river." This was funny, on family set their dog on
us- but there is only one trail to hike back up to the street so I found a new
use for my umbrella. Perfect for fighting off pups. :)
Well family. This is it. I love you muchly. Pray
for you always and think about how much I'd love for you all to be on this crazy
adventure with me. I love being a missionary and I sure love you!
xoxox oxoxo
Hermana Ball
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