Week #28 - Cajamarca

Happy Monday!!

It seemed like every day was full of appointments this week! Members have been giving us references more ever since we´ve taken the time to visit with those we don´t know very well in the ward. I know that taking time to get to know others and serve them fosters trust, friendship and confidence. 

We had intercambios this past Monday and Tuesday, and traveled a loooonng way to Pacasmayo. It was so beautiful, and we had the chance to take pics by the beach Monday when we had an hour to spare in our p-day. I think the most eventful part of p-day was went we ate cow liver Monday night, and I didn´t even know... the sister leader´s pension asked if I eat ¨hígado¨... I had no idea, so I just said, yeah, I think! hahah... big mistake. Hermana Ortiz told me usually when it´s fried, it´s a little easier to eat, but their pension cooks a lot healthier than most, and hadn´t fried it. When I tried to cut into it, it was like I was cutting into a slab of rubber. I looked at Sister Lezano a little concerned and she just said, ¨In English I think it´s called liver¨ hahaha... my first bite was super pleasing... pretty much it tasted like a mix of blood and dirt, and the texture was super weird. Not a huge fan... and I didn´t think that I would be, haha. Now I can say that I´ve eaten cow heart, cow liver, and shark... yum!

When we were contacting late one night, we decided to knock on a door. A lady named Patty opened and we shared a brief message about the restoration and she was in awe that we have a prophet today. We had another visit with her and she told us that she prayed about what we shared with her and felt peace and tranquility and told us that she knew it was from God. We extended an invitation for a baptismal date, and she is super excited to look up talks from God´s servants today. It was something that I didn´t even imagine would happen when we first knocked on her door. I know God works miracles according to our faith and that in reality, faith and doubt cannot be in our minds at the same time. When we let doubts enter our minds, our faith weakens. but faith, joined with our works, can overpower whatever doubt we have.

This week at church was amazing, despite that fact that the power went out completely the night before and there was no light and the microphone didn´t work, haha. We had the greatest number of investigators that we´ve had here in Chontapaccha attend church. But it´s never enough!! Santos and Olinda and their daughter finally came to church, Zay who has a baptismal date for May 25th attended all three hours and really enjoyed it. Sundays are always super crazy , and we try to do all we can to make sure our investigators make it. We got up at 6:45 am, had a plan to knock on some of our investigator´s doors, made calls, and sent messages. Even after all we can do, it´s usually never enough. But thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He can make up for what we lack. His grace is sufficient for those who humble themselves before Him, and He helps us open our eyes and see miracles. 

We´ve been seeing so many changes in Wilmer and Flor these past few weeks. They aren´t married, but have been listening to the missionaries for over 2 months now. Wilmer has had drinking problems in the past, but ever since he has had the desire to read the BOM these last couple of weeks and has been reading, he´s been holding back. Flor really wants to get married, and I know that little by little, Wilmer´s heart will be softened and he´ll also understand the importance of making this commitment with Flor. He´s even been asking us to give specific assignments to read in the BOM, and we´ve left him with questions to answer so he can apply what he reads in his life, and search for answers.

ALL of us have the opportunity to contribute in this marvelous work of the Lord. You have the power to truly make a difference. Pray for opportunities to serve Him, and I promise the opportunities will come to you. 

Have an amazing week!

Hermana Doney