First of all, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Reason #56836583639 Why I love Ecuador: They've already got Christmas trees/lights up and music starting to play. Woot woot!
Fun Facts: Diesel gas is about $1.04/gallon (makes me wish we drove cars here), as well as appearently a lot of the youth in the wards here are called to be Ward Missionaries before their actual mission. It's interesting.
I'm the first gringo (white person) of the 14 companions Elder Bailon's had, so he's really wanted to practice English...we've done part of our readings in English, and it took about 10 min to practice the "Z" sound. We were dying laughing cause it sounded like we were loopy on anesthesia or something. But I'm actually amazed at how fast he's progressing. Sometimes I wake up at 2 or so in the morning and hear him laying awake trying to practice his pronounciations.
I got assigned as the English tutor again. There wasn't much competition with me being the only gringo in the District. We also got to do a service project for an old couple to grind corn by hand...just a couple of buckets and some green onions but goodness gracious I never knew it was so tiring to do something as simple as that! We had to keep taking turns cause our arms would get tired. I don't care how wimpy it sounds, you can't judge until you've done it. Needless to say, my respect for the pioneers and 1800's people skyrocketed afterwards.
Yesterday I woke up feeling sick and spent a fair amount of time in the bathroom, but we still went to church, even though it made us a little late. And guess who was there? SURPRISE! President Christensen and his wife. He didn't mention our tardiness, thank goodness. I think he could tell I wasn't feeling too well. Then, after the church meetings, Hermana Christensen wanted to take a picture of us w/President. Yes, please take a picture of me while I'm sick and look like a train wreck. It's quite photogenic. Haha but it was fine, and good to see them again.
After lunch with a member, we went to a part of the Sister Missionaries' sector to do a baptism interview for one of their younger investigators. The dad wants the boy to be baptized, and the mom (of other religion) is indifferent. After the interview, we were eating food that the nice mom had given us, and were talking with her and her husband, when suddenly her head dropped and she was out. Her husband lovingly layed her down in a more comfortable position on the couch, when suddenly her body started flopping like a fish.
Although for a second it was actually pretty freaky, we kept our cool, and quickly realized she was having a seizure. Between us, the dad, and the Sister Missionaries, we helped carry her to her bed and kept a bottle of strong smelling colongue under her nose Then we gave her a Priesthood Blessing. During the blessing, she was still shaking a little bit, but when it finished, she stopped and was resting there peacefully. Then she revived a few minutes later. She and her husband were very grateful for all our help. Whether or not this helped her more appreciate the Church and it's blessings, I don't know. But I do know that this was a powerful testimony-building experience for me that this is the very Priesthood, power, and authority of God, used not only to direct his true church but also to bless his children. I'm so grateful to have a loving Heavenly Father who watches over and cares for us, and allowed us to be at the right place at the right time to bless one of his daughters during a time of need.
Have an incredible week!
Love,
Elder Stolle
P.S. I included a picture of our Zone activity playing soccer today, what a Guagua looks like (the bread thing) as well as shoes being made.
No comments:
Post a Comment