We've
got an odd situation going on with Viridiana. It's a long story, but basically
we told other missionaries to teach her because of a doubt we had. Now the
doubt has been cleared and once again President got involved (I feel like I
have more communication with him now for the weird situations we've had than I
did as secretary) and he told us to teach her again. But the other missionaries
were obviously really excited because they see it as a potential baptism so we
don't know how to tell them (we just got the news recently and therefore
haven't had the conversation yet). It'll be rough because we were the ones that
said to teach her and now we'll be taking her back. We'll do it though. But for
that reason I'm not 100% sure about how she is progressing. I'm confident that
she'll get baptized though.
With Chucho we're also counting on other Elders.
His dad lives in another area so we have to send them to try to teach him about
the Gospel and hopefully convince him that way.
The Primary program is going to
be next Sunday. I'll put up the nativity set this week. I actually didn't know
you sent me a white tie haha. The one I wore in the baptism was Elder Lobo´s.
Now I know. I'm good on shirts and pants. I didn't get the music yet, but we
actually have a new rule in the mission that says we can't listen to anything
that doesn't have the church's seal on it. That means EFY and the Tabernacle
Choir pretty much. Not even Vocal Point is approved. I just listen to talks now
while I'm in the shower and whatnot.
This week was worse than last week in
terms of results. Elder Heaton (as assistant he sees the results) called me to
ask me if I was alright because our numbers tanked out of nowhere. That being said,
we have several people that, for one reason or another, don't count as new
investigators, investigators in church, or investigators with a baptismal date
but will count if they're baptized. It's hard to explain, but I'm pretty sure
that we're on track for more baptisms. It'll just be a surprise for those who
don't know the situation this time. I've felt a mix of emotions about the whole
deal, but I'm primarily calm. "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let
us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still,
with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be
revealed."
I don't know what's up with the Skype yet. I'll try to find
out this week. The best part of the week was that we
did see some cool little miracles in reactivating inactive members. I'll give
you more details as we go. The challenge was dealing with the disappointment of
the results this week, but one thing that helped was the conversation that I
had with Elder Heaton. It was nice to have a chance to tell him that I'm not
out here losing my motivation, it just simply hasn't been the best two weeks of
results.
Something that made me laugh was that today in the morning Elder
Jimenez spanked Elder Lobo really hard on the bum and the both of them made
rather silly faces of pain and started saying ouch, ouch, ouch, over and over
because it hurt both of them (Elder Jiminez - hand, Elder Lobo - Bum). It
probably seems immature, but it made me laugh haha.
A tender mercy: On Friday I
had to leave my area to do a baptismal interview for the Sisters. We got to the
right house and the guy wasn't there. Elder Jimenez and one of the sisters was
already rather frustrated when we arrived for something else that had happened
so when he wasn't there people got a bit on edge. We waited a couple minutes
trying to call the dude, but had no luck. So we left. But as we were walking
back to where we would take the bus we found the guy and were able to do the
interview. That helped ease the situation quite a bit.
One gospel principle
that I feel strongly about is that God has a perfect plan and knows what trials
to give us, what blessings to give us, and when to give them to us. He knows
what we need. I know that we can and must "believe that man doth not
comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend." Humility is
required of us as we place our trust and confidence in His superiority. We
cannot afford to doubt him. I know that although difficulties seem endless,
"all these things shall give (us) experience, and shall be for (our)
good." So my invitation for anyone in times of trouble would be to
hold on. Pray for support, comfort, and understanding. Realize that this life
is preparation for the next and that each of us has a unique learning process
that we must endure, and even perhaps enjoy. Our Heavenly Father knows how to
prepare us.
One thing I love about the people that I serve with is that,
regarding the missionaries, we have each made the decision to sacrifice
important years of our lives in service to the Lord. As difficult as each
individual missionary may or may not be to work with, they can always be
respected for that one simple truth. Love you!
Elder Finlinson
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