Yes, it is summer here. However, Uruguay is strange and indecisive. This morning was a blanket of fog, yesterday was a mishmash of sun and rain, Saturday was overwhelmingly hot and humid. Yep. Bring it on, Uruguay! :) Mom, you would die for how humid it has been recently. Also, you would appreciate the amount of ceiling fans in the chapel here. I will try to get a picture of it.
This week was crazy! On Tuesday, we were able to go to the temple again! The first two baptisms of Elder Aviña received their endowments. It was such a special, powerful spiritual experience, and these two women (mother and daughter) are so special and full of light. We even got to do some initiatories before the endowment session in the temple! I love going to the house of the Lord to participate in these sacred ordinances. I feel God´s love and presence there so strongly. I felt comforted in a big way, and like I should stop worrying so much. :) (duh, I always worry too much.)
When we were there, I took the advice of my family members and splurged on treats at Tienda Inglesa. Yum. If you still don´t know what an alfajor is, you have yet to discover a devilishly delicious treat . . . hmmmmmmmmm, that sounds terrible. Oh well, it kinda is. :) On a semi-related note, the food here is too high in fat! Lots of stuff unabashedly has trans fat! Can Nicole and Mom, the nutrition experts, or Elder Persson, explain to me what trans fat is? :)
Anyways. That day was basically perfect. On wednesday morning, we went to La Cruz, a tiny town that pertains to our branch. The sisters serving in our branch with us also came, and we did some good proselyting there. Woo! The people are so welcoming and open to listen and learn. On thursday, we visited the houses of most of our present investigators, basically to no avail. Our people are really falling through, which is why we´re going to La Cruz now. Often, people will receive us well the first time, commit to another visit, and then never receive us again. It´s sad and frustrating, because I know that they are missing out on the Gospel of Jesus Christ -- they´re missing out on joy, peace, and a changed life.
On Friday we had zone conference, and I got to go to Sarandi for an intercambio with Elder Vasquez. He is awesome! We basically just did lots of contacting and had a wonderful lesson on prayer with some less-active members.
Saturday, we had a volleyball activity in the gym! Although we publicized like mad with our branch and our investigators, not many people showed up. It was still a success!
My time leaves me. Yesterday we had another very spiritual lesson with Alejandro. He gave the closing prayer, and touched my heart forever. He thanked God for sending him two angels, two marvelous people, to teach him and show him the way. He will become a STRONG member of the church in due time! If only Uruguay were faster with marriage dates and legal stuff . . . . . . but he will get married and then baptized. :)
I learned this week to keep my attitude in the highest level, to follow after Christ by being merciful, patient, and long-suffering. I am learning to be patient and meek, especially in my companion relationship. I think things are going well now. I am eager to work hard this week!
Only Alejandro came to church. :( But we found an amazing woman in La Cruz who immediately accepted our invitation to church and to be baptized.
Love you all so much!!!!!
The picture is old -- it´s me in Montevideo.
