this week, like with all weeks, was full of its ups and downs. More ups than downs.
We had zone conference Thursday.
Pres Levrino has a reputation for really harsh, direct conferences,
calling us all out for performance and things we can improve. I was
surprised by the tone of the conference and not once did it feel like he
was reprimanding. It was very humble, yet powerful. The theme:
urgency.
We're striving to integrate ourselves much more with
the members, changing the culture of "missionary work" from members
helping missionaries to missionaries helping members. Well, we can't
make any of the members do anything, but he gave some great council on
how to excite all, in the name of "hastening the work." He said the
missionaries need to have fire in their eyes. It doesn't matter what we
say or how demanding we are with the members, we need to be fully
committed to the work and more than that, really AMPED to save souls.
Other than that, he spent a lot of time talking
about the quality of teaching (teaching for understanding) and talking
to everyone. The whole conference was inspired by a visit from Elder
Ballard last week. My own personal conclusion: Elder Ballard's dying
words for the missionaries will be: "hablar con todos (talk to
everyone)." Easy to do for a couple of days (I'm almost out of pages in
my planner for more addresses of people we've contacted, the majority
being in this last week alone), much harder to maintain. I'll do it
though.
I'll fill ya'll in on the ever present investigators Lila, Aldana, and Rocio.
Lila came to church at 9 am
(a miracle for any Argentine non member). She was half asleep until Sac
Meeting, but I think she had a great experience. We had lunch with her
and the Flores family (old bishop, super nice). It was kinda (really)
awkward though, with Hna Flores trying to make small talk that turned
into a sly disagreement about sexual freedom (keep in mind this is the
69 year old widow who has a weekend boyfriend). We'll see with her. The
truth is we're just praying hard for a change of heart like she's showed
before.
Aldana came to church for the 3rd time. We taught
the law of chastity I think 4 times this week and each time she made a
little progress. At first she said "no, that's wierd," then "maybe, Ill
talk to my boyfriend," then "waiting for his answer" to finally "he said
he'll support me, but I still don't know. I'll tel you tomorrow." Tomorrow
is today so we'll see tonight. The thing with her that has been rare in
my experience is that I can see an evident conversion process. Many
people get baptized here for who knows what reason and the missionaries
dont question it because we're really pressured to baptize anyone that
meets the interview. Not that its a bad thing, just that its cool to see
someone evidently change their life in the weeks that they meet with
us.
Finally Rocio. We had an impromtu fast with her Wed
night (we fasted awkwardly during the big ZC lunch) to Thurs night to
help her quit smoking. I was actually really surprised that she did it,
but all was well. Unfortunatley, she's been with her mom since Friday
and didn'0t come back for church even tho she said she would. Also, her
sister said she saw her smoking. Not really sure what'll happen but
we'll see.
As for me, 2 weeks left in Limache. It's been good,
but tough. Getting excited to see another province, although it sounds
like weather and foodwise, they're all downgrades.
I have another package waiting now - I'm assuming its your second one with sunscreen etc.
Just wanna let you know I'm always thinking of you and praying for you. I love picturing Lincoln playing or watching football.
I havent read anything yet because we're both
writing now. We have Marcelo, a member who's leaving for Brazil in 6
weeks. He says hi (speaks english). Let me know if there's any business
to take care of.
Do your duty to love all those around you. Pray for
and look for chances to serve. Be an example in word and in deed. Never
forget your divine potential and calling as a child of God.
Shout out to those who wrote to me this week. Thank you!
Love y'all,
Elder Blake
PS - Can you find emails for Kris Koerper and Dix Densley (those dope missionaries in our ward some years back)?
PPS - I'll found out where I'm going at district asado today!!!
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