This week's scripture study has left me with an unexplainably liberating yet haunting truth: The only thing in the way of this area's success (and inadvertently my progression) is my own willingness to constantly change. I've concluded that God is always willing to transform us into better mediums if we would but humbly surrender to every last ember of his refining fire. I've learned that I am but a clogged instrument that God is ever trying to clean in order to more effectively pour out his innumerable blessings upon His people. I have two years to maximize myself, and therefore disobedience is useless. Man's potential, therefore, is as limitless as his willingness to repent. Much in the same way that those who partake of His bread shall never perish, those who use God's grace as fuel will never grow weary. I'm going to focus all my energy on repenting and obedience this week and throughout the mission.
Two of our most positive investigator families and people left for Guatemala and Mositenongo Sochi. They said they'd take all the lessons and it's very likely they'll get baptized or will be members when they return in a couple of months. We found two large families that I hope with all my heart will come to church soon. Also, we found another area to contact in. The people there were very rude at first, but they are starting to warm up. This area is opening up, even with many families vacationing away, there are still many possible candidates for baptism. The only thing in the way will be my ineffectiveness as a missionary. There are people prepared; I'm sure of it. I'm focusing this week and change on being prepared for them.
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| Racana scenery |
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| Is that Ice Cream in Racana? |
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| The grossest turkey I've ever seen in my life. |
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| Talking with a the local blind man. We became good friends. He spoke about being the first member of the church in that area. He has a great conversion story and is the most active member of that branch. |
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| Cute Children, grandsons of the blind man (Don Thomas) |
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| Looks like you are a good cook Elder Young! |
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| The Trails Elder Young walks in Racana |
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| Lots of scenery pictures because they walk in the mountains all day long- every day |
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| Bunnies |
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| Elder Hawkins |
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| It looks like a home made from dirt |
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| More Children |
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| Some Racana Sunsets |
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| Wood we found out in the mountains about a 40 minute walk from our house. We had to hurry to get back before we got lost in the dark. |
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| Zone conference. My first one. |
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| Elder Young |
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| Momostenango on Pday getting a ice cream. I asked if it was sanitary water. They couldn't give me a straight answer. |
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| They find little animals along the way as they walk and walk and walk |
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| Yep- that big tall shadow could only belong to Blake! |
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| It makes mom happy to see that he has a yummy treat! |
Outside of one of the houses of the people we later baptized.
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| Blake is 6'6 with shoes on so those are some very tall fields of corn! |
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| Enjoying the Journey! |
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| A member family. |
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| SWEET! Look how tall they are compared to the locals |
The tuk tuks.
The momos stake center. Where we had our activities and Blake played piano all the time on pDAY.
