Well, here we are again at the end of another week. I didn't have any e-mails to respond to this week so I actually had some time to write the post. Some pretty interesting things happened that's for sure.
I guess to start off, I'll mention a little bit of the news I received today. To those who have been faithfully following my blog, you all know that I have been serving in Montana del Sur for seven transfers now. I started working in this area when I entered the mission field back in last September. Well, we received transfer news today and I will not be making Montana del Sur the home of transfer #8. I have been called to serve in another part of the Lord's APM vineyard to spread the gospel to those who are in need. I am sad to say goodbye to this ward and the people I have grown to love but I am very excited for what the future has to bring. I look forward to taking the knowledge I have gained from all my time down in South Phoenix and taking it elsewhere to help those in need.
Well, that was the biggest news I had to share but here is a rundown of the past week anyway. :)
Last week was crazy! I started off feeling a little sick Monday and Tuesday which made it a little hard to work to my full potential. It's a little hard to ride bikes when you feel like you are achy all over. But, just like many other instances in the past during my mission I was sustained by the hand of Heavenly Father. As I fought to get through the days I always had enough strength to push it for one more lessons until *bam* the end of the day was there. In truth, both Monday and Tuesday turned out to be our best days of the week.
Wednesday was Wednesday. Tracting, teaching, and loving the people.
Thursday posed a different set of challenges. I won't go into all the details but it will be enough to say that Elder Mortensen and I were called to exercise our sacred Priesthood authority to remove demons from a home. As crazy or radical as it sounds it's true. I have always wondered what it must be like to have to do something like that, to realize that you are the only one fighting against the very real power of Satan. After our experience on Thursday, one time is enough for me. We weren't in any serious or perilous danger but I can testify that I know that the influence of Satan is real. It was very much present when we went in and was very much gone when we left. An experience and testimony builder I'll never forget.
Friday was another day. Tracting, teaching, and loving the people.
Saturday was a great day. It started out a little more difficult than usual but it really picked up in the end. We had our 4th baptism of the transfer Saturday night. To those who remember Maria, the lady we found tracting in the dust storm, her 17 year old son Jesus was baptized this past Saturday. He showed up a little late because his soccer game went into extra time but every was very patient through it. We had an incredible turnout. There were members from the ward, the entire Young Men's Presidency, Investigators from at least 3 sets of missionaries...the room was just packed!! The service itself was great as well. The talks were perfect, the ordinance was....so powerful....All in all (I think I say this every time) it was probably the best baptismal service we have had. What was really special about the whole experience was the ability to see a mother and a son who have both gone through so much together accept the gospel of Christ together as well. I know that they will remain strong and inspiring members of the Church and Jesus has already started preparing to serve his own mission in a couple of years. I look forward to seeing him open up his mission call. :)
My friends, I want you all to know that I love you and that I know that this gospel is true. I have seen so many people just take ahold of the simple message we carry and allow it to change their lives completely. I have never had a greater joy in my life than that I've had when I see people enter the waters of baptism. This gospel is true, Jesus is the Christ and through our obedience we can return to live in the presence of God after this life. Have a fantastic week and until next time, iQue Dios les bendiga!
"Mother and Child": Maria and Jesus with a few of their teaching missionaries. It was such a sweet feeling to know that they are now on their way to eternal happiness together. All we have left to do is get her kids in Mexico here and baptized and then we'll REALLY be in business :)
"Bargain Shopping": YAY FOR DISCOUNTS!! Now we just have 96 trail mix fruit and nut granola bars...welcome to breakfast, lunch, dinner, noonday snack, afternoon snack, and midnight snack!! :D
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