March 19, 2012 Tucumán Argentina
This was a
trying week but we made it and learned alot from it. The last couple weeks haven’t
been the best in meeting goals and what not but it all goes back to our
planning. When we think we are doing ok we get shot down. This Sunday we didn’t
teach anyone again because the people we were going to do divisions with didn’t
come or came and waited in the church while we were in one of the class
rooms waiting for them. communication errors... since we have church in the
morning and afternoon we have to study in between and leave church time to
teach. So we both spent 6 hours in church. Looking on the good side I learned alot!
But we were both ready to be done afterwards. We went to visit a few
people who didn’t come to church but none were there or we couldn’t go in for
other reasons. It was a little rough but we talked about it and how we can do
things different so we can have more success this week and we both felt better.
Well one of
our investigators Liliana has quit smoking since Saturday and is doing super
good! It was really hard the first few days and she was really nervous but she’s
happy and seems like a new person now. She is still learning to read with us so
she doesn’t read much alone. She is about 32 or something and had a really hard
life including that her previous husband is living with her mom... interesting
family situation, but she seems happy her kids are in pretty good hands. She
now wants to learn to write so we are working with the ward on these things she
needs and they are doing good! They found her a pair of shoes to get to church
in and her friend gave her a book bag as a gift and she put her Book of Mormon
in and was really excited to go to church. It has been a cool experience to see
her grow and change amidst all of the problems and trials she has. I gave her a
little oregano oil for her 3 year old who has some weird zit things on his
head. They aren’t really zits but they are bumps. Just seeing the conditions of
the way they live, there has got to be huge parasite problems down here.
We
almost had a baptism this weekend but we had a little complication and it didn’t
work out. It should happen this weekend though along with a brother and sister
from another family. The brother tells us it’s true and wants to get baptized,
then when we get close he tells us he’s not ready and it’s all because he’s not
reading consistently. When he is reading he has the desire and feels it’s true
but right when he stops it’s like he forgets what he felt. One of our recent
converts here asked why so few people are going to church and I was really
wondering the same thing. In all the areas down here there are tons of members
and only a few in church. I got to thinking about it and I see all these poor
houses with satellite dishes on them. Any time we enter a house the TV is always
on and alot of lunches we have, the people have their TVs on and only talk
about the news or stuff on TV and not about things that should be talked about
as a family. Not all are like this but alot are. I can only think that TV took
over scripture study and prayers and then when some trial comes, they aren’t
able to keep going. Also I was reading in the teachings of the prophets - George
Albert Smith - about keeping the Sabbath day holy and that triggered some ideas
too. It is so important - just as the other commandments, but it really is a
way we can demonstrate our love and diligence to the Lord and in return he will
bless us to the degree we keep the commandment(s)(Alma 38:5). This has been one
of my favorite scriptures lately along with alma
It (scripture
study and obedience to all the commandments) is so important! Maybe it’s
easy for me to say that while on the mission because I can imagine the
little distractions that get in the way of the bigger
things.
Well I
better get going now. I love you all and thanks for the goodies!
It’s cooling
off a bit at night so it’s perfect to use half of the blanket – some times of
the night the whole thing! It’s still 85 or 90 during the day though and the
humidity doesn’t change here I am guessing haha. Cleaning today my
shirt was drenched in sweat! I never thought I’d enjoy the cold showers we
get at this house due to a very random instant hot water heater. It
can be on all the way and the flame is on but the water is only warm.
Love you
all! Take care!
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