Week 27: Dirt and Rocks

New and Fire Restaurant

Cómo estamos compas

This week was very up and down once again. Something sad that happened is that we have lost all contact with Rebeca. We don't know where she is living right now (she moved out of the house of members she was living in) and she doesn't have a phone. This has been really hard for me because I have seen the Spirit manifest itself in her life, her recognition of this, and her desire to follow Christ. We are still praying for a miracle, but right now may not just be her time.

Apart from that, we have seen an abundance of blessings in the work here in Copán. The 2nd counselor of the branch has returned to the church and is magnifying his calling with 110% effort. An entire family that the other elders found this week came to church. People we are teaching are progressing on God’s perfect timing. Two young men in the branch received the Melchizedek Priesthood yesterday. The little kids are crazy and always keep me laughing. My testimony of the Gospel has never been stronger and continues to grow by the day. These are just a few of the blessings I have seen this week.

Despite every disappointment and setback, there are always so many miracles happening around us.

We played basketball last Pday and it was super awesome to play a sport other than fútbol because I was not being humiliated the entire time haha. Also did some service and hauled about 2000lbs of dirt and rocks up a significantly sized hill but received some pancakes and fruit after so that was super lit. Other than that, we are honestly just working nonstop and sweating a ton.

This week, I had one of my hardest days of the mission when it comes to mental strength. As my time in Copán is coming to a close, it is looking like I will leave this area without a baptism based on the speed of the progression of our friends. I was really discouraged one afternoon because I was caught in the trap of thinking my efforts for the past 5 months have been wasted. Elder Evanson then handed me a notecard with a scripture written on it.

Alma 26:27 “Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success."

As I pondered this verse I came to realize that God works through others to comfort us (so please be willing to let others help you) and our ideas of “success” may be different from God's. I always pictured the beginning of my mission to be different than how it has played out so far, however, success is not about my expectations and results. It's about the effort. If we can end each day knowing we gave our all, we can't have regrets and God can't be disappointed. In fact, He is even happier because we are giving it our all with faith that results will come despite the challenge. Faith and patience go hand in hand.

Thank you to all of you reading who are missionaries. Knowing that you are all working and facing struggles but giving it your all was a great strength to me this week.

I love the Gospel and the perspective and guidance it provides in literally ALL circumstances. There is power in praying out loud. Be the one to take the lead and follow the Spirit. You might be exactly what someone needs to remember God loves them perfectly.

I love you all!

Stay the course!