The ovens here are kinda quack (weird, strange, random), and this is what happened to our first batch of brownies.
The brownies we made for Fernanda y Gloria (2nd batch)
Milagrito: some members randomly stopped by yesterday and gave us pizza and dessert! Count your blessings!
Hermano Yaco is one of the coolest, nicest, humblest guys I`ve ever met. He was our chauffer today in La Barra (the Bay), and even provided us lunch at his place! Truly incredible man. Pap, he served in Paraguay Asunción Norte and so did his wife! (at the same time, actually) And Christian, I thought you`d like this shirt ;)
La playa en La Barra
The park on the hill above la playa.
Titanic
El Mano
Los oros
¡Hola familia y amigos! ¡Estoy felicísimo para hablar con vosotros otra vez! ¡He experimentado muchas cosas, buenas y duras, y he crecido mucho esta semana!
So our investigators have hit brick walls this week. Ade has dropped us, Olga doesn`t want to be baptized because she`s already been baptized 3 times, Dennis and Vivianna are moving and can`t meet with us much, and Nilida and Viktor are not willing to get married. Will take a quick paragraph each to explain what happened in some cases.
Olga was a heartbreaking experience this week. In our charla, we had asked her about how the Book of Mormon was for her, and how she felt. She had felt something, but wasn`t sure why we needed it when we had the Bible. We talked about how the Bible had passed through the hands of man and been altered many times and how the Book of Mormon can help clarify unanswered Bible questions. This went on to the power of the priesthood and how only member of the Church of Jesus Christ had it through the laying on of hands through the Restoration. This power gives us authority, not just knowledge, to perform ordinances, and we invited her to be baptized by that proper authority. She told us about how she had already been baptized by a pastor and thought that was enough. With all the tenderness yet boldness of my heart, and with the Spirit coursing through me, I testified to her about the authority of the priesthood and to whom it pertains and how she would only need one more baptism if we did it, for we have the authority. I then re-invited her, and with all the tenderness she possessed, she declined once more, saying 4 was too many. We will continue to visit, teach, and strengthen her that maybe she might change her mind, but my heart was torn that night. True trial.
Olga was a heartbreaking experience this week. In our charla, we had asked her about how the Book of Mormon was for her, and how she felt. She had felt something, but wasn`t sure why we needed it when we had the Bible. We talked about how the Bible had passed through the hands of man and been altered many times and how the Book of Mormon can help clarify unanswered Bible questions. This went on to the power of the priesthood and how only member of the Church of Jesus Christ had it through the laying on of hands through the Restoration. This power gives us authority, not just knowledge, to perform ordinances, and we invited her to be baptized by that proper authority. She told us about how she had already been baptized by a pastor and thought that was enough. With all the tenderness yet boldness of my heart, and with the Spirit coursing through me, I testified to her about the authority of the priesthood and to whom it pertains and how she would only need one more baptism if we did it, for we have the authority. I then re-invited her, and with all the tenderness she possessed, she declined once more, saying 4 was too many. We will continue to visit, teach, and strengthen her that maybe she might change her mind, but my heart was torn that night. True trial.
Turns out that marriage here is a huge struggle. You have to apply like 6 months in advance, pay some money, and fill out a lot of forms; and it`s even harder to get a divorce. For this reason, Nilida and Viktor don`t want to get married, and Dennis and Vivianna are still wrestling over it. Hopefully we can help them to take a step of faith in this regard!
However, we also have received 4 nuevos this week: Gislaine, Carlos, Rocio, and Diñora! Gislaine is a true Brazilian (refer to Uruguayan Culture audio to understand better) that is sooo open and friendly and tries out her limited English with us. She is a huge believer in God and might be our most promising investigator right now! Carlos was a contact that, when we knocked, cut us off and went on a rant about how we bothered people and knocked on their doors and didn`t help them at all, and "if you really want to serve, I have two shovels back here and some dirt that needs to be moved." He clearly didn`t expect us to accept, because when we said, "Let`s do it!" he was shellshocked. We moved dirt for about 5 minutes and then he stopped us, and in a completely different, friendly tone, he invited us back to work and lunch with him on Wednesday! Rocio is a barber on the Brazilian side that couldn`t immediately meet with us but seemed excited and whom we are meeting tonight! Diñora is a Uruguayan who was a little hesitant at first but seems deeply invested in what we`re saying. I wish I could say more but I`m out of time, but the Lord truly blesses the patient!
¡Os diré como està andando en la proxima semana! ¡Os amo mucho! ¡Ciao!
However, we also have received 4 nuevos this week: Gislaine, Carlos, Rocio, and Diñora! Gislaine is a true Brazilian (refer to Uruguayan Culture audio to understand better) that is sooo open and friendly and tries out her limited English with us. She is a huge believer in God and might be our most promising investigator right now! Carlos was a contact that, when we knocked, cut us off and went on a rant about how we bothered people and knocked on their doors and didn`t help them at all, and "if you really want to serve, I have two shovels back here and some dirt that needs to be moved." He clearly didn`t expect us to accept, because when we said, "Let`s do it!" he was shellshocked. We moved dirt for about 5 minutes and then he stopped us, and in a completely different, friendly tone, he invited us back to work and lunch with him on Wednesday! Rocio is a barber on the Brazilian side that couldn`t immediately meet with us but seemed excited and whom we are meeting tonight! Diñora is a Uruguayan who was a little hesitant at first but seems deeply invested in what we`re saying. I wish I could say more but I`m out of time, but the Lord truly blesses the patient!
¡Os diré como està andando en la proxima semana! ¡Os amo mucho! ¡Ciao!
Elder Newman
Mom’s Questions:
1. Are you using the seasoning packets I sent with you when you left? What about the crystal light mix ins? Do you want me to send more with your Christmas package this week? Can you get seasonings down there?
I forgot about the seasoning packets! Will try to use some. But I have used and enjoyed the Crystal Light!
2. Tell me one thing that set your heart and mind on fire this week.
We have 4 nuevos (new investigators) this week and 3 of them seem REALLY promising! The work is good!
3. What aspect of missionary work are you feeling most confident about?
Being able to communicate the gospel and bear testimony.
4. I know you’re resting a bit with your foot right now, but how have you served the other Elders this week?
E' Anderson forgot his money today, and I paid for his bus ticket to La Barra.
5. Is your foot feeling any better with rest, ice and ibuprofen?
Yup!
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