Week #48 - Esperanza

Hello everyone!!

Christopher and Raul finally got baptized WHOOO!!! After much prayer and fasting, their dad opened his heart and allowed them to be baptized and follow the example of their brother, Juan Bryan. They had such an uplifting experience, and it was a privilege to be there and see them accomplish their goal after such a long time. Freddy continues to stay strong in the church and will be receiving the Priesthood soon and we have an appt set to do his family history work. It also was his birthday on Sunday!

We visited Milagros this past week and her husband listened too!! We were able to share the Family a Proclamation to the World with them. It was so inspired because they had just been having problems in their relationship and were struggling to know how to help their son Jairo develop trust towards them. Carlos was so willing to apply the principles in their family that are in the Proclamation and committed to coming to church with his wife and their baby on Sunday. They both came to church yesterday, and we were so happy for them. It was such a beautiful experience for them. Carlos said something at the end of the appointment on Saturday that shook me. After talking about the challenges they were having, and sharing their desire to change together, he turned to his wife who had tears in her eyes, and said: “If these missionaries are sacrificing their time and have come so far away from home to preach the gospel, we can give them a few minutes of our time and listen.” It´s during these moments that I remember why the Lord called me to serve here and how much of an impact we have on these people we are teaching. People recognize us as servants of the Lord and will WANT to listen if we follow the promptings of the Spirit.

I´m definitely feeling the pressure as a sister leader, and now in this new transfer. We are in charge of not only 10, but 12 companionships now, 24 sisters and it is a lot to take on. I was reading in 2 Nephi 33, when Nephi is finishing his writing and explains how if the people don´t believe in his words that “Christ will show unto (them) with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day;” and that they “shall stand face to face before his bar” and know that Nephi was commanded of Him to write these things, “notwithstanding (his) weakness”. I love how Nephi recognizes his own weaknesses, but knows by what power he is called. I think that is what a true leader is. He doesn´t rejoice in his own knowledge or depend on his own strength to fulfill his duties in the calling he has been given, but he trusts that the Lord´s power will make up for what he lacks. I have felt that I have lacked so much these past few weeks with this calling that I know is so important. I have felt a greater need to be more obedient, be more united with my companion, and serve sincerely with all my heart, might, mind and strength. I am so grateful that the Lord is cutting me down a lot and throwing me in hard situations so that I can grow stronger and become even greater that what I could become alone. 

I had exchanges with Sister Christiansen from Texas this week who has been out on the mission for 13 months. It has been kind of weird for me being the sister leader of sisters who have so much more time than me on the mission, and it has also been a wonderful opportunity to learn from them. We talked about sharing messages with the members and gaining their confidence and asking for references so that contacting the “chosen ones” isn´t so hard. A lot of the appts. fell through, and I felt the need to pray with Hermana Christiansen in the street to receive guidance and find those who are truly looking for the truth. After the prayer, we kept walking and ran into a member who happened to be talking to his family members outside of their house who aren´t members of the church! He lives in a different part of our area, but happened to be with them in that moment. We ended up setting an apt. to have a family home evening with them which will be happening today! 

I love serving the Lord, and know that I couldn´t be doing anything else better during this time in my life. The Lord continues to protect and bless me here to see His power in my life, and I´m so beyond grateful to know that I´m His daughter.

Have a great week!!

Hermana Doney