Día 174

Well, my first week in a new area is complete. Provincia definitely is different from Capital. I am in the fields. In news this week, I was bitten by a dog for the first time, in the leg, so that was exciting. Not to worry, it was a soft bite and didn't draw any blood or anything and I'm not hurt or dead. I'm sure the dog thought he was playing.

Also, it rained a whole lot this past week, which is awesome because it takes away some of the heat and the humidity. However, being in Provincia with all dirt roads means that we've been trudging around in mud. After dancing around on the dry patches for a few days, I finally decided it was time to break out my never before worn boots from my suitcase that I have never opened because it has only winter stuff. Dressed in boots, I trudged fearlessly around Pablo Nogués in the rain and mud yesterday as my companion danced around... haha.

Some other interesting stuff is that I no longer have Hermana Schaffauser to wash my clothes for me, so I will be having to wash my own clothes and then hang them out on the clothesline in the back yard patch that we have. Also, there are about 30 members in the ward and none of them like to bear their testimonies. As a result, after hearing the testimonies of the bishopric and the missionaries yesterday, the Bishop started pointing at people in the congregation to come up and bear their testimonies... haha.

This past week my companion and I worked really hard to have "lessons taught to investigators with a member present." Before I came, the most lessons that this area had had was 19, and this past week we had 26, so we were pretty excited about that. We went out with a few recent converts and members to talk with friends and people that they know, which was very successful. I was able to commit 6 people to baptism, but unfortunately no one came to church yesterday because it was pouring in the morning.

 

We're working hard and I know that we will find the people the Lord is preparing to receive us. I know I have been called of God to preach His gospel. I know that I am where I am for a reason, to further His work in Pablo Nogués. I know that the gospel changes lives. In my almost 6 months in the mission I have seen the changes and miracles that take place when someone gets to know and accept the gospel. The gospel has changed my life. Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. Through him the same church that Jesus Christ established was restored to the earth. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know it. If you don't, my invitation is to read it, meditate on it, and ask God, and I know that when you do, you will always receive the confirmation that it is true. I know because I've received mine many times. Conversion is a process, and I definitely believe that I have a stronger testimony now than when I left home. I love you all and I wish you all the very best.

Love,

Elder John William Garrett