I love you all! I know I don´t always send this to everyone . . .so I hope everyone ends up receiving it! :)
Tuesday I had a great intercambio (exchange?) with Elder Huaira, my district leader. It was the second intercambio in which I had to stay in the area and thus direct the work. I was more comfortable this time, and it went pretty well! We didn´t have any seated, fixed discussions, which is always a bummer, but we made some good contacts and felt the Spirit. We also did the branch activity.
Thursday we had the conference of the 2 missions!!! (Us, and the Montevideo West mission.) Elder Craig C Christensen of the presidency of the 70 came. It was such a fantastic experience. We got to hear from the 2 mission presidents and their spouses, along with an area authority and his wife. Elder and Sister Christensen both speak amazing Spanish. I learned a ton, but the general ambience of the meeting was one of joy. I learned to let the Spirit into my heart so I can rejoice in the work and be happy. He talked about the nature and importance of our missionary calling. I feel so excited and privileged to be a missionary. It´s not the easiest calling, but it is so rewarding, and I am growing and changing so much, so positively -- especially in a spiritual way. My testimony has become so much stronger, and I am able to recognize the Spirit more easily than before, because I am focused on doing so and on fortifying myself and others with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
On Saturday, a couple Elder Aviña taught was sealed in the temple!!!! We were able to go to the endowment session and their sealing right after. I have never been to a temple sealing before. It was SO HAPPY and so special. I didn´t have to know them to feel their love. It was amazing to see people achieve the goal of an eternal family. I felt the Spirit in a joyous, powerful way that was entirely new to me. When their two little kids came in . . . let´s just say that I almost lost it. :) So beautiful! I am so grateful that my parents were sealed in the temple and that my family can live together forever. I testify of that fact often! :)
TONS more happened this week. But . . . Sunday was great! I always love going to church here and partaking of the sacrament. There are so many incredible members. We got to hear from the branch president and the district president because it was branch conference. What powerful talks they gave! That night, we were able to go out contacting with our good friend Frederico Ladereche. He just returned from his mission in Brazil and is a wonderful guy and a great missionary. He helps us out often.
Well, chau! Time is over. I am loving the work, learning tons, and meeting many amazing people. thanks for your prayers -- I feel the support from home when I need it. Love you all!!!
--Elder Max Olivier
No comments:
Post a Comment