All
is well here in Tierra Amarilla. Pretty low key week. Lots of emotions, ups and downs... But hey life goes on. The biggest news that's happening
here right now is that here in Tierra Amarilla - Copiapo They are filming a new movie called Los 33. About the 33 miners that got trapped a few years ago in the mine. I guess it's huge or something like the other day someone saw Antonio Banderes buying a swimming suit and a water bottle.... There are a lot of big names that are gonna be in the movie.
Maybe it's just the Chileans making a big deal about nothing like always
but who knows. You guys know more than me. But ya that's cool, Go Tierra
Amarilla!
Sad news, Dalmer.... Our stud Bolivian notified us last Friday that he is going back to Bolivia tomorrow....
NOOOOO DALMER NOOOOOO He wasn't able to finish up his papers to become legal here so the government or whoever is sending him to Iquique (more
Northern Chile) To finish his papers to get him legal than he is gonna
go back to Bolivia to look for a better job.... Super super sad news. Especially because he was progressing sooooooooo well towards his baptism on the 22nd. He has been to church about 5 or 6 times and has stayed all 3 hours every time.... He was so excited about his baptism. We got his email and phone number for when he is in Bolivia so we can help
him get him to church - Meet the missionaries there. I'm sure they will
love having a perfectly prepared potential priesthood holder walk up to
them telling them he wants to get baptized ha ha. Dalmer is such a stud. I
will send a pic. It was hard talking about leaving for him just cause
he has grown to love the church, members, and Elder Mangum and I a ton. Seeing a grown man tear up while talking to him really shows what this gospel does to people. Changes for the better! We know that Dalmer will
be baptized one day. Just frustrating we couldn't be here to see that
awesome moment in his life. The Lord does things for a reason. I will
keep you updated on Dalmer later on in the mission.
I wish I could explain in detail the difference you
can see in our little Rama. About 6 months when Elder Mangum arrived
here there weren't too many people with callings other than the Branch
President. But with lots of diligence President Castillo and also our substitute, President Zarate right now, while President Castillo is on vacation, have really started giving our recent converts - Members opportunities to serve, We now have basically every organization with a president and a counselor Wooot Woooot. I'm sure the people in church are
getting tired of having us missionaries teach Gospel Principals, Young
Mens and Womens, Sunday
School, and Priesthood hahaha. Now with teachers and presidents we're
hoping people will enjoy the classes more haha. Nah but I like teaching. It helps my Spanish and teaching skills.
I still dread the thought of lunch everyday...
People just make fun of me cause I never finish my plate... IT'S NOT MY
FAULT MY STOMACH IS THE SIZE OF A 3 YEAR OLD GIRL..... One of the members in our branch has a 4 year old daughter and she finished her completo (hot dog) and I couldn't.... Silly Paxman.... But hey! Yesterday
I finished so props to me! I´ll keep yal informed on my progress ;)
We have been teaching this guy named Marcelo for the past 2 months. At first he didn't believe in God or Jesus Christ. With
our visits weekly you have seen a marvelous change in him. He say that he loves how he feels when we read the scriptures and talk about the gospel. He has quit smoking, drinking, and going to the club. He said he
went the other day but had the temptation to smoke so he went
home!!!!!!! WOOOO Go Marcelo... Ever since we have started teaching him he has always said, "when I feel ready to go to church I´ll go...." We
visited him on Saturday and he said, "tomorrow
I'm going to church" and HE WENT..... Everyone usually just lies to us so
they don't hurt our feelings about going to church ... Silly Latins....
But he came and loved it. Go Marcelo! I love seeing people change for
the best. You can't see this change any other place quite like here on
the mission! There are countless of other small stories where we see small miracles everyday! I love the mission.
Yesterday it was missionary Sunday.
All 4 of us gave little talks in church and also sang a musical number. We sang We´ll Bring The World His Truth. First and 3rd verses in
Spanish and 2nd and 4th in English... The members liked that hahah It
was fun. We didn't practice but it went so well basically cause my comp
has the voice of an angel..... Freaken Mangum.... Gotta Love him hahaha.
The people clapped after the song.... You can tell it's been a while
since someone has given a musical number in the branch.... hahah. I gave
my talk on how we can be the happiest people in the world. Chase
showed me his insight on this so I read 4 Nephi vs. 16 and explained
that with doing those things (the exact things in our gospel ) we can be
the happiest people in the world. Then I read the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15 vs 3-7. I explained how we are here to BAPTIZE! As
members, as missionaries and even as people who aren't part of the church. We are here to help people make these sacred covenants and find
that lost sheep and put it on your shoulders and carry it home. My talk
was short and sweet and the other 3 missionaries tore it up as well. The
song was the best part. Everyone crying and stuff. That's the best feeling when you can see people feeling the spirit so much that they
cry! I love this church!!!!!!!
It's getting a little more fresco outside. Not too
much sun and heat... Still a lot but it's livable at least :) I eat granola
and yogurt with bananas every morning for breakfast.... It never gets
old :) We are in the work of the Lord. He will never let us down If we
give it our all. The Church is true and the only one on the earth that
has EVERY part restored like it was in the time of our Savior,
Jesucristo. Love you all. Haz Lo Justo!
Elder Paxman
1 comment:
Another inspiring letter! I am so lucky it be your aunt. Keep up the good work!
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