we kept up the momentum this week and we were able to again achieve our
mission's standards of excellence! It was interesting to find out that last
week we were one of 3 companionships in the mission who achieved standards
of excellence. So we were excited that our efforts produced fruit and that
we were able to do it twice in a row (a first for me on my entire mission).
We are putting in all our heart, might, mind, and strength so that we can
make achieving standards of excellence a weekly occurrence and that it
becomes a culture in this area. Yay for working hard!
We had many little miracles this week. Many people who seemed to not be
progressing made turns for the better--which we were ecstatic about. We
talked with many people and have many potentials that we hope have true
desires to learn about the restored gospel!:)
I love my companion. We have a great time together and work hard. We
decided that for the rest of the transfer we would play "trainer." We are
receiving 4 new hermanas next transfer and there will be more in training
that people to train. So since there is almost a 100% chance that she will
be training, we decided to do some good prep. She will get to train me for
the next 4 weeks. I think it will be good for her to get out of her comfort
zone and take more initiative and lead. I think it will also help her to
grow in confidence. It may be a struggle for the first while for me to stay
quiet[er] or not want to start all the conversations, but I know this will
be good in the long run. My approaches are a little more bold and
straightforward than hers, but this will be fun! Yay!
2 Funny Stories:
So we met this guy named Omar who gave us his number. We called him up a
few days later to set up teaching appointment. He gave us his address and
explained that it was a bit difficult to find. This didn't deter us.
Long-story short, his house was not on the GPS, but after a fun adventure
going on unpaved, one-way roads/paths through creepy forests and lots of
scary signs, we found were he lived! Or at least the big gate to where he
lives. We didn't get to his house because the huge gate was locked, but we
knew how to get there for the next time! It was quite an adventure.
He later told us that next time we want to come, just tell him in advance
so he can be home and open the gate.
Well. It was a fun adventure anyways! Hope there's potential!
Then on Saturday we had all our plans fall through for 3 hours and we just
had no idea where we should go. We wandered to a road to pull off and
discuss it. Meanwhile we see a young-guy standing on the sidewalk in the
distance. We couldn't figure out where we needed to go, so I suggested we
just get out and go talk to the guy in the meantime. We did so.
Turns out he was from Mexico and has been here just a few years trying to
go to school. We were able to teach him the message of the Restoration and
he prayed and was really receptive. Probably one of the seemingly most
genuine first lessons I have taught. He even prayed at the end and said he
felt the things are true. He accepted the invite to be baptized, go to
church, and learn more. Couldn't have gone over better...except after those
25 minutes we asked what he was doing. He said waiting for his girlfriend
and then points behind us.
She has been waiting there literally the whole entire time.
Awkward.
We felt terrible. We apologized to her as we scurried back to the car. As
we spun the car around to leave, I think we might have been witnessing a
break-up...yeah..hopefully he at least remembers the Spirit that he felt!
Lastly, Luis Verde has a bit of a rough week. He is a super good little guy
that was divorced and his wife won't let him see his little 3-year-old
daughter. Many unfair things happened with the divorce, to his detriment.
He lives with some roommates, but just works, sleeps, eats, and plays a
little basketball. We have been teaching him and have involved a family in
the branch who lives near him. We have brought them to lessons and they
have opened their house to him for Family Home Evenings and dinners. It has
been fun to watch this sad, lonely, friendless man perk up and feel the
love this family his for him, although they barely know him. We had dinner
with him and the family last night and Luis expressed his gratitude for
their love and kindness. He says he finally has friends.
Oh the beauty of the gospel. Oh the beauty of charity and service. I feel
like this fellowship family, along with many others, I am sure, exemplify
the words of one of my favorite songs:
*Have I done any good in the world today? *
*Have I helped anyone in need?*
*Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?*
*If not, I have failed indeed.*
*Has anyone's burden been lighter today*
*Because I was willing to share?*
*Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?*
*When they needed my help was I there?*
*Then wake up and do something more*
*Than dream of your mansion above.*
*Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,*
*A blessing of duty and love.*
This is our calling: to "turn out," as Elder Bednar would say and to serve
those around us. I am paraphrasing because I don't have the quote with me,
but President Hinckley would always say as does President Monson today,
something along the lines of: The best antidote for our own weariness, is
to seek out and serve someone who is even more weary.
I know this so be true!
Challenge: Think over these words (the second verse of the song above):
*There are chances for work all around just now, *
*Opportunities right in our way.*
*Do not let them pass by, saying, "Sometime I'll try,"*
*But go and do something today.*
*'Tis noble of man to work and to give;*
*Love's labor has merit alone.*
*Only he who does something helps others to live.*
*To God each good work will be known.*
I invite you to wake up and do something more this week. Turn out. There
are opportunities to serve all around us. Don't procrastinate, just do it.
As you do so, your own weariness and problems will seem to diminish and you
will be filled with love for those around you and toward your ever loving
Father in Heaven.
Of this I testify!
Have a great week!:)