Semana 9

Man, I've been reading this same thing in all the other missionaries emails, but I'll attest to it; the days are long, the weeks are short. This week was a pretty great one.  Not because it was easy, but because it was rich with learning. If we're not out in the street, I'm here at the casa studying.  This week was more difficult than the others.  I hardly ever understood anyone, and we weren't able to make contact with a lot of people. But I've spent a lot of time (when not rigorously studying Spanish (I try to learn around 40 new words a day) reading in Acts, Romans and Corinthians; the experiences and teachings of Paul. One scripture I want to share is:

1 Corinthians 1:5 ; 

"That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge."

 

Everything that happens in our lives, happens for a reason. Through all things, we can improve. If we are not winning, we are learning; and thus, still winning. We only lose when we decide to do so. When I was having trouble throughout this week, I always thought to myself, what can I learn from this, how will this help me in the long run. Every time, I would pray, and I would search the scriptures. And guess what; I always found the exact answer I needed. Monday night, I was having a particularly hard time, so that night, for my nightly prayer, I did not ask Father for anything. I only gave thanks. Through this practice, I learned what it means to forget and forsake ourselves. That the good always outweighs the bad. That Christ is always there, usually carrying us along along the way (I speak mostly for myself of course). I testify in the holy name of Him who made all things possible, that He truly has taken upon himself everything, for each of us personally. HE ASKS US, to take his yoke upon us, for his burden is light and he will give unto us rest (again he literally carries us). Matthew 11: 28-30. He that looseth his life for my sake shall find it. Matthew 10: 39. I invite (challenge) all of you, once a week, from now until the day you return to Him that created you, to give a prayer to God, giving only thanks. This invitation (challenge) stands for everyone, but for those beautiful friends of mine who aren't as religiously inclined, I love you, and I invite (challenge) you to write a list of the things you are grateful for once a week, until the day you pass. Spend at least 10 minutes doing this thing, and I promise: you will find more happiness and gratitude in your life.

Now to share my experiences since giving my prayer of thanks.

Tuesday, my companion and I, along with two other elders, spent a good amount of time at McDonalds (yes, Guatemala has McDonalds, Little Caesers too, and more!) with two friends of ours. Both of them spoke really good English and we were all able to have an amazing talk, not even about the gospel. Just as people, and it was really refreshing; 1 to have a conversation with someone and be able to understand what's being said, 2 just talk. Later that night, we were able to meet with some steady investigators. During our lesson, we felt prompted to invite both these people to be baptized, and they accepted. This is a time that I will treasure. Miracles happen after the trial of our faith. I know these things to be true, in the name of Our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Some pictures:

They sell soda by 3 liters (superior)

Little Caesers here is better than in the states

Guatemalan monopoly (Bancopoly) is super fun (also I won)

Also I got my first haircut in Spanish, you can see how that went (it's fine (I'm fine))

Peace be with you,

Elder Owens