We had a less active/recent convert tell us never to come back.
A son of a less active telling us through the door that his mom was sick and sleeping, and slapping his little brother telling us "moms fine!"
We had 9 members planned to go leave with us, and none of them did.
We had a low church attendance, because of summer vacations.
People dont open their doors because they know its us, and we can clearly hear them inside.
A great investigator we have seen, with her hoping we didnt notice her, also not opening the door or calling us or answering the calls.
There are dogs barking all night long, keeping us up.
BUT. You know what? that could happen all day, all week, all mission. And I wouldnt care. Because there are the moments that make it all worth it. Those moments that overpower all the sadness, all the frustration, all the stress. When we can feel this true happiness as missionaries, we remember why we are here. To invite people to come unto Christ. And when they accept, THAT is what we live for. Now, after all those "negative" parts of the week, let me share with you why this week was one of the BEST, one of the HAPPIEST, one that reminds me of our truly GREAT JOY we have in this Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We met Isabel. She is great! She has a little house behind her house that we are going to rent. We went over to have her sign the contract, and thought before hand "ok, we should try to teach her after, see how it goes". we finish the signing, and she says to us "ok, what do you guys do? tell me!" OK! so we taught her the first lesson, the Restoration, and she LOVED IT. It was amazing! and she accepted to be baptized on the 25th of january! and she is ready! its people like her that help me remember why were are here, and that there are people PREPARED and PREDESTINED for the gospel! ahh shes amazing.
the next day, we wanted to have a lesson with her, and she was leaving or something, so we couldnt. but we gave her a book of mormon. she was SO excited, and said "oh!! this is the one the pamphlet talked about! i wanted one!" then she came to church, and loved it, and is just perfect! She calls us her best friends already (only talked to her maybe 3 hours in total.... one of those being church), talking about how she always wants to go to church, preparing for her baptism...!!! <3
Between us to companionships, we had quite a few investigators and less actives to go church. It was a happysunday all day, everything went perfect! it was the best!
We took a chance and set a HIGH goal for lessons this week, higher than we had ever done before. And it was iffy because of New Years. BUT, we met that goal, and exceeded it by one lesson! And i know it wasnt us at all. It is the Lords work, and us being willing to work hard, and doing all we can to do it! and now, we know it can be done :)
We had New Years! We ate with a member, Maria Lydia. SHe is a great lady, and they have a great family. She and her husband served a mission in Viña Del Mar, Chile a few years back, so they are always helping us with the work. They are great!! We came home, watched the fireworks, and went to bed. Happy 2014! :)
This one, I give no credit to us. All of this is the Spirit of the Lord. But, we have had so many people tell us about peace. That they like talking to us, because they can feel peace, and they want it. Its just amazing to me how something not tangible, can be seen. I know that only through Christ, we can have this ultimate, fullness of peace. Everyone, its a free gift to all.
We got a house! Like I mentioned earlier, with Isabel. But we have one! We just have to wait until Feb 1 to move in!
We have gotten a lot of family member references from Less Actives too. Really, if you just put your mind to it, and DO IT, miracles happen! Its great!!
A random thought... this week, we went to a family in the ward that speaks really good English, the mom is an English teacher. They ALWAYS ask us to say the prayer in English.... and this time, it was my turn. IT IS HARD. probably the most awkward prayer ever. Everything I thought to say, automatically went into my head in spanish, and i had to really think of the english words! haha its funny, because we speak english together, we speak spanish together, we always pray in spanish.... youd think praying in english would be the same. its not. haha wierd experience!
we went hiking this morning as a district, to Cerro La Cruz (Cross hill). theres a big cross at the top of the "mountain" and we went to hike to it! after, we stayed for a little bit and read our scriptures. it was really cool!! A fun activity.
Us 4 missionaries were asked to speak in Church next sunday. I think we are going to do Faith, Hope, Charity, and Love. I really dont mind anymore speaking... kinda got used to it how many times I had to speak these last few years ;)
We have transfers again this next week! AY! we will find out Saturday night again what happens. I would really like to stay here in Chañarcillo..but we will see!!!
Hey! No one mentioned anything about the Book of Mormon Challenge I gave you all! Do you accept?? ;) I already have a couple ideas of a "prize" for the winner ;) So start reading!! :)
These past few weeks, we have been studying the Articles of Faith. Its great to see how basic they are, the basic doctrine of the Gospel, and they are TRUE! We especially have been focusing on the 13th. That one is about US. The others are the beliefs of the church, but the 13th, is US! We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevelont, virtuous, and in doing good to all men..... if we believe it, we need to DO IT! Its really neat! They have a lot more meaning in studying them, than memorizing them....which memorizing is another thing we are starting, in Spanish! I forgot most of what I tried memorizing in the MTC, haha so we are doing it together!
Also, been thinking a lot about 1 Nephi this week. Especially Chapter 4, vs 6 "I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things that I should do". A lot of times, life is that way. We have a basic plan and goals of what we want to do, but we dont always know how we are getting there or what will happen in between. But with faith in the Lord, being led by the Spirit, we always get it done. The Lord has this plan for us, and it is perfect! Its individual, but it all fits into place. All of it. There are no "coincidences" there are no "chances", its all planned.
Well, thats all for this week. ;) Remember your purpose, strengthen your testimony, and share it with others!! ;)
I LOVE YOU!!!!
--Hermana Severtson
P.S. oh, we made grandma Porter´s home made noodle soup. ;) so there are the pictures of that too! ;)
P.S.S. New Years Eve with Maria Lydia. She has a million wigs! haha ;)
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