Hola todos!! ¿Como están? I cannot believe how quickly the
time is going! I have been so, so blessed to be able to have had the
experiences I have had and learned so much in my 6 and a half months on my
mission! I have been able to have so many special experiences and learned so
much. I have met so many incredible people and made memories I will never
forget. Throughout my time here in Uruguay I have been able to serve in the
area San Fernando Bis, in Ciudad del Plata, San Jose. I truly love this area
and have come to know the members and ins-and-outs very well. But now the time
has come to change from my first area to a new one. I am going to go to an area
called Chico Dos in RIVERA, up in the North of Uruguay. I am going to be
with an Elder who has only 3 more transfer periods, so he will probably end his mission
with me. His name is Elder Harris and I will get to know him tomorrow. I will
be traveling all day to get to my new area with my new companion. We're going to be sharing the house with another companionship. I am super
excited and I don't know a whole lot more about it other than it is super hot, everything
is cheap, there supposedly are lots of hills, and it's right by the border of
Brazil so the people speak "Portuñol," which is Portugese mixed with
Spanish. That should be fun! I am excited for the change that is about to come
and just wanted to write today about how grateful I am for the time I have spent
here in San Fernando, as well as for some of the people I have been blessed to meet
and work with.
First of all, I have been able to meet just about every type
of person imaginable in my time here. The people for the most part in San
Fernando are very kind and comfortable with their lifestyles. I have taught
some youth to elderly people, and specifically have worked with three couples
that I am sad to leave but believe they will keep progressing. The first is Melinda
and Marcelo. Elder Loperena and I found them a few months ago, and at first it
was a little difficult to help them overcome their doubts and understand the
importance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But now they are all in and
have strong desires to be baptized. The only step they need to take is to be
married and they are in the process of preparing to do so. The second couple we
met was German and Ana. Elder Letelier and I were able to find them at the
start of my mission, and I learned a lot from these dear people. They have lots
of faith and despite their difficulties, continue to move forward. I have
learned with them the importance and immediate blessings of acting with
obedience. The last couple I was able to work with is one that was really
special to me. Elder Loperena and I had been looking in the area book to find
people the missionaries had taught in the past and found the names Paula and
Joaqin. I remember that in the very first lesson we had with them, we started
to explain the history of the Book of Mormon, and as I spoke I felt the purest most
incredible happiness I have ever felt in my life. I could not stop grinning as
I explained why this book was so important. As I saw light come into their
eyes and faces I felt even happier than I thought was possible. They are also
preparing to be baptized and I don't have doubts that soon they will accomplish
their goals and will start to receive great blessings from their decisions to
follow Christ.
I have seen people decide to change their lives, as well as
others who decide to turn away and not open their hearts. I can testify that
when we only have the smallest desire to try, the Lord can work His miracles. I
saw the power of the Book of Mormon, prayer, and action with a lady named
Biviana. She had always believed in God, but never acted on her beliefs. As we
began teaching her, she would open the Book of Mormon and literally read
something that would be exactly for her that day. She has worked to change her
life and to put God at the center, and through it all we have seen an
incredible change in her. We have even seen miracles. As she has been working
on changing, the light and joy that she is gaining has spread to her family as
well. We met her daughter Pamela, who is about 28 about a month ago. At the
beginning, she didn't want anything to do with us, but then she began to see
the change in her mother and one day sat in a lesson with us. Still she told us
she didn't want to read the Book of Mormon or change her beliefs, but little by
little the Holy Ghost worked on her, and today she is reading and working on
changing her life around as well. It is truly incredible to see what the Gospel
of Jesus Christ does for everyone who is willing to open their hearts just a
little and act.
I want to share my testimony that I know that Heavenly
Father has a plan for each one of us. He loves you perfectly, and knows exactly
where you are at in life, and what you are needing. He will answer you, in His
timing and in His way. I testify that Jesus Christ has the power to heal, love,
forgive, guide, strengthen, and save. He will never leave you alone, but you
must turn to Him to receive help. Everything starts with your desire to act. I
am amazed by the experiences I have had so far in my mission. I have learned
and grown more than I thought possible. I know that Heavenly Father wants this
same thing for each one of His children. Please, turn to Him and ask Him what
He would have you do. I promise that He will answer. He loves you and will be
with you every step of the way, but we have to be the ones to move our feet. I
testify that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church
on the Earth today. I testify that the teachings of Jesus Christ, when acted
upon, can and will change hearts, minds, and lives. This is the way we can be
happy in this life, and come to the point where we can live with our Father in
Heaven and families forever. I promise each one of you can have these
blessings. All you have to do is ask, then go and do. I leave my blessing and
testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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