Hi, Mom!
So, like my title states, I "coincidentally" got transferred last Wednesday TO GUAYAQUIL! But, I'm in the other zone, Zona Orquideas. My new companion is Elder Melzer from Arizona. This is one of my favorite zones to be in so far in my mission, if I do say so. Even though I've only been here 5 days, I still feel more than grateful simply to be here - with my companion, with the other two missionaries in our sector (Elder Williams and Elder Mena), and with this awesome zone. I'm feeling a MILLION times better than I was in Balzar, despite the bittersweet taste of leaving a sector that quickly became my home. However, all I can do now is look back on it, learn from it, and only think about how I can do better. But for now, I can tell you guys just how grateful and how happy I am to be in such an amazing zone, full of amazing missionaries. I don't have too much to say yet, simply because again, I only have 5 whole days in this sector. But, what I can let you guys know is that we have a LOT of great baptisms lined up, we have a lot of rescues lined up as well, so hopefully my companion and I can continue to have the awesome success that comes from the magic we both know we can make happen here. I'll be sure to take TONS of pictures, I'm SUPER excited to Skype Call this Mother's Day, but more than anything, I'm fired up to be here, because this change (whether it was planned or not) was precisely what I needed to kick-start me into overdrive! I love you guys so much, and until next week, keep praying often, stay strong, stay true, and remember... JESUS LOVES YOU!!! ... And I love you too, hahahahaha! Bye!
Con Sinceridad y Amor,
Elder Conner Duane "Poderoso" Parke
PS: We got a couple of plans to have some fun later (eat at the Chili's they got here with one of my awesome friends Elder Moreno who goes home next week, and maybe ride some bikes in the famous Parque Samanes), which is why I'm writing a little early this week
Monday, July 11, 2016
Week 82
Hi, Mom.
I'm not quite sure how to word this, so I'm simply going to say that this has felt like one of the hardest weeks so far that I've had in the mission. Perhaps it's because of my companion, perhaps it's because of the self-changes I've been making to be more obedient, and in-lineage with the will of God, and not my own, as my companion states. I can't lie to you guys and say that I've been 100% obedient on my mission, but I obviously haven't been doing anything ridiculous, either. I just feel like I'm losing my sense of being/character from how much "exact obedience" my companion is putting me through. I get that he's trying to pull out all the stops, in order for this branch to start progressing, and get to where it needed to be heck knows how long ago. However, I wish he could do it in a manner less... Hurtful towards me, and more charitable. He slams on my companions for being with me, and I can't help but think if I'm even supposed to be in the mission, anymore (let alone, with him). My sleep patterns are starting to tilt, and I'm pretty sure I've been gaining weight from all of the rice that the members give us to eat. I extremely hate to sound sacreligious and like a hypocrite, but I can't help but feel... Forsaken. Obviously, I'm seeing some of the fruits of being so "obedient", such as the 115 attendance we had in Church last Sunday. The members say that there hasn't been an attendance that high in 10 YEARS. But, if the price is feeling as miserable, and sick, and forsaken as I do in order to bring these people the salvation that they've lacked for a long time, then I really don't know if that's the price that I'm willing to pay. Despite the faith that I have in my heart that Elder Palma and I can work miracles as a companionship here in Balzar, I don't know how much longer I can take being here, with all the changes that have been going on, before my brain cracks like an egg. I'm extremely sorry for sounding like all I'm doing for this week's blog entry is complaining about my companion, but it's when this starts to take a toll on my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health that I ought to speak up. I love you guys a lot, I've been missing you now more than ever, and (I'm admitting to you now) it wouldn't surprise me if for the first time out of four, I cry during our last Skype Call this upcoming Mother's Day. Until next week, I want to thank everyone for the prayers, love, and support, because I don't believe I would've made it this far if it weren't for everyone. Take care!!!
Con Sinceridad y Amor,
Elder Conner Duane Parke
I'm not quite sure how to word this, so I'm simply going to say that this has felt like one of the hardest weeks so far that I've had in the mission. Perhaps it's because of my companion, perhaps it's because of the self-changes I've been making to be more obedient, and in-lineage with the will of God, and not my own, as my companion states. I can't lie to you guys and say that I've been 100% obedient on my mission, but I obviously haven't been doing anything ridiculous, either. I just feel like I'm losing my sense of being/character from how much "exact obedience" my companion is putting me through. I get that he's trying to pull out all the stops, in order for this branch to start progressing, and get to where it needed to be heck knows how long ago. However, I wish he could do it in a manner less... Hurtful towards me, and more charitable. He slams on my companions for being with me, and I can't help but think if I'm even supposed to be in the mission, anymore (let alone, with him). My sleep patterns are starting to tilt, and I'm pretty sure I've been gaining weight from all of the rice that the members give us to eat. I extremely hate to sound sacreligious and like a hypocrite, but I can't help but feel... Forsaken. Obviously, I'm seeing some of the fruits of being so "obedient", such as the 115 attendance we had in Church last Sunday. The members say that there hasn't been an attendance that high in 10 YEARS. But, if the price is feeling as miserable, and sick, and forsaken as I do in order to bring these people the salvation that they've lacked for a long time, then I really don't know if that's the price that I'm willing to pay. Despite the faith that I have in my heart that Elder Palma and I can work miracles as a companionship here in Balzar, I don't know how much longer I can take being here, with all the changes that have been going on, before my brain cracks like an egg. I'm extremely sorry for sounding like all I'm doing for this week's blog entry is complaining about my companion, but it's when this starts to take a toll on my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health that I ought to speak up. I love you guys a lot, I've been missing you now more than ever, and (I'm admitting to you now) it wouldn't surprise me if for the first time out of four, I cry during our last Skype Call this upcoming Mother's Day. Until next week, I want to thank everyone for the prayers, love, and support, because I don't believe I would've made it this far if it weren't for everyone. Take care!!!
Con Sinceridad y Amor,
Elder Conner Duane Parke
Week 81
Hi, Mom. So, before I talk about anything else, I just want everyone to know that's reading the blog that I'm perfectly fine, my companion's fine, we're all fine here in Balzar. According to the satellites and other technology they use to measure and pinpoint the earthquakes, the epicenter was more or less an hour north of a city near the coast called Portoviejo. They say it was 7.8 magnitude, and 400+ people lost their lives from it. The best way the four of us here have to summarize it when it "hit us" was: "We're just lucky to be alive", hahaha. It's funny, because my companion, Elder Palma, is from Chile, so he just cracks jokes about how earthquakes and tremors like that happen every week or so back at his home in Concepción, hahahahaha. But yeah, none of us are hurt, we're all perfectly fine... I mean, I'm still a bit shaken up, because I've only felt two tremors in my life (both here on my mission in Ecuador), but that's nothing to stop me and my companion from working our hardest.
So, I've been doing a ton of thinking about my companionship, and not only in the context of "Why me?" But rather, I've been trying to look at it each and every angle, and see how I can bless my companion (and vice versa) with what little time I feel we have left as companions. What I can see from right off the bat is we are both EXTREMELY different. For whatsoever reason, we click on some subjects, but even so, we're basically Black and White. However, I haven't lost the hope and love that I've had in each and every one of my companions yet, and I'm not willing to start now. Elder Palma may be a little on the crazy side (to me, at least), but also from what I can see between the two of us, we have a very prominent "burning" desire within both of us to bless the lives of those we come across in our missions. We both want to be remembered, we both wish to make the most out of our time here, and more than anything, we both can't thank our Lord Jesus Christ enough for how He has helped us turn our lives around while we still could. So Elder Palma may not be my "perfect companion", but he can be a LOT worse, is what I'm basically trying to get at, hahahahahaha!
I love you guys a lot, and there hasn't been a single day since I left that I haven't been thinking about you guys. It's been a harder climb for me than Camel's Back and Table Rock put together, to put it in Idaho terms, haha. It hasn't been in the very least easy for me to be away from home for the longest time in my LIFE, but I wouldn't trade the things I've learned and the spiritual growth that I've made for absolutely anything in the world. Like I've said how many times now, I have no doubts that it will only get harder from this point on, but at the same time, like you guys have been telling me, never in my life will I most likely feel as close to my Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ than while I'm here on my mission. Until next week, let everyone know that I'm okay, I love them, and I apologize in advance for the lack of pictures. I've been taking a lot more, but I keep forgetting my Camera Cord in the apartment. Next week, for sure, I'll send more pictures. I PROMISE, haha!
Con Sinceridad y Amor,
Elder Conner Duane "Poderoso" Parke
So, I've been doing a ton of thinking about my companionship, and not only in the context of "Why me?" But rather, I've been trying to look at it each and every angle, and see how I can bless my companion (and vice versa) with what little time I feel we have left as companions. What I can see from right off the bat is we are both EXTREMELY different. For whatsoever reason, we click on some subjects, but even so, we're basically Black and White. However, I haven't lost the hope and love that I've had in each and every one of my companions yet, and I'm not willing to start now. Elder Palma may be a little on the crazy side (to me, at least), but also from what I can see between the two of us, we have a very prominent "burning" desire within both of us to bless the lives of those we come across in our missions. We both want to be remembered, we both wish to make the most out of our time here, and more than anything, we both can't thank our Lord Jesus Christ enough for how He has helped us turn our lives around while we still could. So Elder Palma may not be my "perfect companion", but he can be a LOT worse, is what I'm basically trying to get at, hahahahahaha!
I love you guys a lot, and there hasn't been a single day since I left that I haven't been thinking about you guys. It's been a harder climb for me than Camel's Back and Table Rock put together, to put it in Idaho terms, haha. It hasn't been in the very least easy for me to be away from home for the longest time in my LIFE, but I wouldn't trade the things I've learned and the spiritual growth that I've made for absolutely anything in the world. Like I've said how many times now, I have no doubts that it will only get harder from this point on, but at the same time, like you guys have been telling me, never in my life will I most likely feel as close to my Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ than while I'm here on my mission. Until next week, let everyone know that I'm okay, I love them, and I apologize in advance for the lack of pictures. I've been taking a lot more, but I keep forgetting my Camera Cord in the apartment. Next week, for sure, I'll send more pictures. I PROMISE, haha!
Con Sinceridad y Amor,
Elder Conner Duane "Poderoso" Parke
Week 80
Hi, Mom.
So, in order to get this out the way, I want to just say that Elder Palma is, indeed, INSANE. I have had very obedient companions before, but I've got to say, Elder Palma takes the cake, by far. I've personally never seen a missionary so dead-set on obeying the rules and regulations to a T, as he is. In fact, it's honestly scary, for me especially as his companion, as to just how strict and serious he is about pretty much everything. He was super calm his first week here with me in Balzar, but then like a coin, his personality just flips, and he cracks down HARD. I've tried talking to him, and letting him know that he's barely got two weeks here, and doesn't quite know what he's doing or saying, but I think his pride gets in the way of him seeing that. He's very stubborn, he's very impatient (including with himself, which also scares me), and as a result, I really can't see us being a companionship for much more time. It may sound a little irrational, but I kind of have nightmares of no one wanting to come to Church, just because of how direct he can be. I apologize greatly, if I sound like I'm simply judging and complaining, but I find myself to have all the right to draw these kinds of conclusions.
So, I wrote in my weekly letter to President Riggins how I've been considering what it would be like to finish my mission here in Balzar. I really love this place, and even though it's obviously not perfect, I can't find any other missionary (other than my ex-companion Elder Reilly) understanding this place and its members as well as I do. It's funny, because for that reason, President Riggins doesn't like to keep missionaries in the same sector for more than 5 months. However, I only have 3 months here, and I'll admit that I've already fallen in love with working in this place. What I've found to keep me from having "100%" of the success that I can here is my taking the initiatives, as Elder Palma has admittedly helped me see. I can't lie to you guys, I hate contacting (for my still-existent fear of public speaking, as well as rejection), and despite having a year and a half in the mission, I still find my Spanish, in polite terms, low-par. I do agree, however, with Elder Palma's constructive criticism to take the initiative more often. Him, like the rest of my companions, are absolutely right; if I truly love the people as I say I do, then the only thing that's stopping me from expressing that is myself.
It's starting to open up my eyes as to how much time I have left as a missionary here in Ecuador. I may not have had absolutely, without a doubt in my mind, 100% of the success that I probably could've had in my mission, but I do know both in my heart and in my soul/spirit that I did some good in the world. I may not have baptized as many people as I would've liked to, but as my good buddy Elder Reilly states: "Most of the time, we're just planting seeds." It does bug me that other missionaries have baptized and rescued more than I have, but the Holy Ghost assures me that so long as I can fearlessly kneel down at night and let my Father in Heaven know that I'm doing my best, then I am, and I have nothing to worry about. It's a bittersweet feeling to be slowly but surely coming to the end of my mission, but I couldn't be more grateful for the things that it's taught me. I love you guys so much, and I can't wait for our Mother's Day Skype Call. Until next week, take care!!!
Con Sinceridad y Amor,
Elder Conner Duane "Poderoso" Parke
So, in order to get this out the way, I want to just say that Elder Palma is, indeed, INSANE. I have had very obedient companions before, but I've got to say, Elder Palma takes the cake, by far. I've personally never seen a missionary so dead-set on obeying the rules and regulations to a T, as he is. In fact, it's honestly scary, for me especially as his companion, as to just how strict and serious he is about pretty much everything. He was super calm his first week here with me in Balzar, but then like a coin, his personality just flips, and he cracks down HARD. I've tried talking to him, and letting him know that he's barely got two weeks here, and doesn't quite know what he's doing or saying, but I think his pride gets in the way of him seeing that. He's very stubborn, he's very impatient (including with himself, which also scares me), and as a result, I really can't see us being a companionship for much more time. It may sound a little irrational, but I kind of have nightmares of no one wanting to come to Church, just because of how direct he can be. I apologize greatly, if I sound like I'm simply judging and complaining, but I find myself to have all the right to draw these kinds of conclusions.
So, I wrote in my weekly letter to President Riggins how I've been considering what it would be like to finish my mission here in Balzar. I really love this place, and even though it's obviously not perfect, I can't find any other missionary (other than my ex-companion Elder Reilly) understanding this place and its members as well as I do. It's funny, because for that reason, President Riggins doesn't like to keep missionaries in the same sector for more than 5 months. However, I only have 3 months here, and I'll admit that I've already fallen in love with working in this place. What I've found to keep me from having "100%" of the success that I can here is my taking the initiatives, as Elder Palma has admittedly helped me see. I can't lie to you guys, I hate contacting (for my still-existent fear of public speaking, as well as rejection), and despite having a year and a half in the mission, I still find my Spanish, in polite terms, low-par. I do agree, however, with Elder Palma's constructive criticism to take the initiative more often. Him, like the rest of my companions, are absolutely right; if I truly love the people as I say I do, then the only thing that's stopping me from expressing that is myself.
It's starting to open up my eyes as to how much time I have left as a missionary here in Ecuador. I may not have had absolutely, without a doubt in my mind, 100% of the success that I probably could've had in my mission, but I do know both in my heart and in my soul/spirit that I did some good in the world. I may not have baptized as many people as I would've liked to, but as my good buddy Elder Reilly states: "Most of the time, we're just planting seeds." It does bug me that other missionaries have baptized and rescued more than I have, but the Holy Ghost assures me that so long as I can fearlessly kneel down at night and let my Father in Heaven know that I'm doing my best, then I am, and I have nothing to worry about. It's a bittersweet feeling to be slowly but surely coming to the end of my mission, but I couldn't be more grateful for the things that it's taught me. I love you guys so much, and I can't wait for our Mother's Day Skype Call. Until next week, take care!!!
Con Sinceridad y Amor,
Elder Conner Duane "Poderoso" Parke
Week 79
Hi, Mom. So, this past week was General Conference (obviously). It personally helped me a lot, especially with how stressful it's been. A month until my last Skype Call in the mission, and only five more months until I bid farewell to Ecuador. One of my personal favorite talks was of Elder Quentin L. Cook, and how he utilized a "Temple Mirror", and the Twin Mirrors in the Sealing Room of the Temple with such symbolism and emphasis as to what they mean. It helped me learn that as long as we "keep our eyes on the prize", then we need not worry about the troubles and temptations of the world. I've been doing a little studying of my Patriarchal Blessing as to help me clear my mind, and aid me in losing myself in the Work for what little time I have left here. Part of my blessing that stand our most to me is how it invites me to be sealed to my future wife and children. One of my biggest hopes and dreams ever since I can remember is to be the "World's Greatest Father." Where my life was going, that dream felt anything but close. However, thanks to my mission, and all of the spiritual growth and strength that it's given me, I have faith that the Lord can help me make that dream come true.
I've been thinking a lot about Easter, and just what exactly does it mean. Far too many people, I've noticed, take the meaning of Easter for granted. Not enough people know the significance that the Atonement has in each of our lives. Others take advantage of it, and expect it to magically take away their problems for them. However, when one can truly look at how he (or she) can properly apply and appreciate the Atonement and what it can potentially do for their lives, it helps answer the question as to which of the thousands of churches upon the face of the Earth is literally the Church of Jesus Christ. I can't lie to you guys, I saw myself as a complete and utter failure before my mission. I had no idea what I was getting into, and I had no idea where it was that I was planning on taking myself. As President Thomas S. Monson stated: "If you don't know where it is that you wish to go, that it need not matter which path you take... No?"
I love you guys a lot, and there aren't words that I can find that describe how much I miss you guys. It's been one of the hardest fights that I've had to put up with. I already know what I'll say when President Riggins asks me in my final interview if I believed that I gave it my all or not. I may not have had 100% of the success I could've had in my mission (at least, not in my eyes), but I do have the faith that I gave it my all, and I let a lot of people know just how much I love my Lord, how much I love my God, and how much I love my brothers and sisters. I never realized just how crucial this Gospel is for my life, and if they can learn to see its importance, too, for their lives, as well. Until next week, I love you guys. Take care! Thank you all so much for the prayers, love, and support!
Con Sinceridad y Amor,
Elder Conner Duane "Poderoso" Parke
PS: Let Oliver know (even though I haven't met him, haha) how much I love him, too!
I've been thinking a lot about Easter, and just what exactly does it mean. Far too many people, I've noticed, take the meaning of Easter for granted. Not enough people know the significance that the Atonement has in each of our lives. Others take advantage of it, and expect it to magically take away their problems for them. However, when one can truly look at how he (or she) can properly apply and appreciate the Atonement and what it can potentially do for their lives, it helps answer the question as to which of the thousands of churches upon the face of the Earth is literally the Church of Jesus Christ. I can't lie to you guys, I saw myself as a complete and utter failure before my mission. I had no idea what I was getting into, and I had no idea where it was that I was planning on taking myself. As President Thomas S. Monson stated: "If you don't know where it is that you wish to go, that it need not matter which path you take... No?"
I love you guys a lot, and there aren't words that I can find that describe how much I miss you guys. It's been one of the hardest fights that I've had to put up with. I already know what I'll say when President Riggins asks me in my final interview if I believed that I gave it my all or not. I may not have had 100% of the success I could've had in my mission (at least, not in my eyes), but I do have the faith that I gave it my all, and I let a lot of people know just how much I love my Lord, how much I love my God, and how much I love my brothers and sisters. I never realized just how crucial this Gospel is for my life, and if they can learn to see its importance, too, for their lives, as well. Until next week, I love you guys. Take care! Thank you all so much for the prayers, love, and support!
Con Sinceridad y Amor,
Elder Conner Duane "Poderoso" Parke
PS: Let Oliver know (even though I haven't met him, haha) how much I love him, too!
Week 78
Hi, Mom (and Family and Friends and all of my loved ones)!
So, like we pretty much saw coming from a mile away, Elder Reilly got transferred (after nearly 7 whole months of service here in Balzar alone, haha), and my new companion is Elder Palma from Chile. I'm honestly terrified of what's going to happen between this companionship, because Elder Palma is known for having not the best of reputations in the mission. He's mainly known for being power-hungry, and overall INSANE. I just gotta pray, stay strong, stay true, and no matter what happens, remember just how much God loves me, and wishes for me to grow spiritually. In fact, most of my companions find themselves surprised about the love and desire that I have to serve them, in addition to the people in my sectors. Since I began my mission, I have always had our Mission Objective playing like a loop in my head: "Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored Gospel thru Faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End." The part that strikes me most is that we, as missionaries, invite OTHERS. It doesn't say Investigators, and it doesn't say Less Active Members, but it does say OTHERS (in general).
Everybody makes mistakes, but it's when we dwell on them and not use them to help us to get better when we find ourselves like a truck in the mud, as opposed to spiritually progressing as God intends. One of the most useful tools that I have found to help me cope with the stress of the mission, is applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ as much as I personally can. I can see how easy it is for others to take this sacrifice for granted, and think things such as: "Well, Jesus already bled and died for my sins. I simply have to have a firm belief in that, and I'm saved." However, it's so much more than that. I learned for myself that we have to earn such a blessing, and that the main reason that I found it so hard to do so before is because deep down, I felt that it wasn't fair. I saw it unjust that "for me, a sinner, He suffered, He bled, and died." I indirectly took pride in the idea that I couldn't let Him take my place for the sins, mistakes, wrongdoings, shortcomings, and limitations that I myself have. They're my mistakes, and in my thick head, only found it just if I myself paid the price for them. I want to thank Elder Reilly and especially President Riggins for helping me see this.
I absolute love just how much God respects our Agency, and how much He wants us to learn, and become like Him. One of the Scriptures that have been helping me out like crazy this past month (maybe more, not sure, haha) is 2 Nephi 2. It's helped me out a lot, and I like to use it hand-in-hand with Alma 42 in order to help explain why exactly are we here. Why exactly do the things happen in our lives that we can't control. For that reason, I understand that my fellow companions are not perfect, I hope they understand that I'm definitely not perfect, but if we can just put those differences and comparisons aside, we can start to realize just how much love we have for one another, and just how much we need each other's help. From how I see it (despite this being the first day that Elder Palma and I are companions) is that more than anything, we've been put together as companions to help each other learn, to help each other grow, and for me, in my personal opinion, to help check himself before he wrecks himself. He'll come to know for himself that I'm super linient, I can be super chill, but more than anything, that I love my companions and fellow missionaries for simply being out here, and doing the work of the Lord. It's been awesome to have Elder Reilly as my companion, but now is time to open a whole other chapter. Until next week, I love you guys so much, I'm extremely excited for General Conference, for Mother's Day, and for what I see as the "Climax", or "Home Stretch" of my mission. Thanks so much for all of the prayers and support, because they've helped me more than you guys can ever
So, like we pretty much saw coming from a mile away, Elder Reilly got transferred (after nearly 7 whole months of service here in Balzar alone, haha), and my new companion is Elder Palma from Chile. I'm honestly terrified of what's going to happen between this companionship, because Elder Palma is known for having not the best of reputations in the mission. He's mainly known for being power-hungry, and overall INSANE. I just gotta pray, stay strong, stay true, and no matter what happens, remember just how much God loves me, and wishes for me to grow spiritually. In fact, most of my companions find themselves surprised about the love and desire that I have to serve them, in addition to the people in my sectors. Since I began my mission, I have always had our Mission Objective playing like a loop in my head: "Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored Gospel thru Faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End." The part that strikes me most is that we, as missionaries, invite OTHERS. It doesn't say Investigators, and it doesn't say Less Active Members, but it does say OTHERS (in general).
Everybody makes mistakes, but it's when we dwell on them and not use them to help us to get better when we find ourselves like a truck in the mud, as opposed to spiritually progressing as God intends. One of the most useful tools that I have found to help me cope with the stress of the mission, is applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ as much as I personally can. I can see how easy it is for others to take this sacrifice for granted, and think things such as: "Well, Jesus already bled and died for my sins. I simply have to have a firm belief in that, and I'm saved." However, it's so much more than that. I learned for myself that we have to earn such a blessing, and that the main reason that I found it so hard to do so before is because deep down, I felt that it wasn't fair. I saw it unjust that "for me, a sinner, He suffered, He bled, and died." I indirectly took pride in the idea that I couldn't let Him take my place for the sins, mistakes, wrongdoings, shortcomings, and limitations that I myself have. They're my mistakes, and in my thick head, only found it just if I myself paid the price for them. I want to thank Elder Reilly and especially President Riggins for helping me see this.
I absolute love just how much God respects our Agency, and how much He wants us to learn, and become like Him. One of the Scriptures that have been helping me out like crazy this past month (maybe more, not sure, haha) is 2 Nephi 2. It's helped me out a lot, and I like to use it hand-in-hand with Alma 42 in order to help explain why exactly are we here. Why exactly do the things happen in our lives that we can't control. For that reason, I understand that my fellow companions are not perfect, I hope they understand that I'm definitely not perfect, but if we can just put those differences and comparisons aside, we can start to realize just how much love we have for one another, and just how much we need each other's help. From how I see it (despite this being the first day that Elder Palma and I are companions) is that more than anything, we've been put together as companions to help each other learn, to help each other grow, and for me, in my personal opinion, to help check himself before he wrecks himself. He'll come to know for himself that I'm super linient, I can be super chill, but more than anything, that I love my companions and fellow missionaries for simply being out here, and doing the work of the Lord. It's been awesome to have Elder Reilly as my companion, but now is time to open a whole other chapter. Until next week, I love you guys so much, I'm extremely excited for General Conference, for Mother's Day, and for what I see as the "Climax", or "Home Stretch" of my mission. Thanks so much for all of the prayers and support, because they've helped me more than you guys can ever
Week 77
Hi, Mom. So, to be a little straight forward, Elder Reilly and I are highly certain that he (at the very least) will be getting transferred this next week. We've also been hearing some rumors/hints from some of the other missionaries about how it might be like if there were only 2 missionaries here in Balzar as opposed to 4 like now. I personally find it quite interesting to say the least, because Elder Reilly and I have made quite an amount of magic here, and we believe that it can only get better if the branch continues to play their cards right. We do have some plans to start up some more training for the leadership here, because a lot of them know what it is they need to do... It only comes down to a matter of how they do it, which is where they become a little unsure. Granted, it has taken quite the stress toll on my companion and I for taking all of these initiatives to fortify the branch, but at the same time, we feel in our hearts that what we're doing is for the good of the branch both now as well as in the future. I myself have grown really close to this branch and its members, especially from all of the sacrifices that have been made on our parts and also theirs.
It just blows my mind to comprehend that I've already got 18 months in the mission. It at the same time scares me, because that means that my days are slowly but surely becoming numbered here in Ecuador. It isn't the most mind-blowing place to serve (it does make me facepalm from the things they do and say, though, at times, but I digress), but I can't help but simply be grateful for the person that the mission has helped me grow to now be. There have been nights were I looked back on the person that I once was, and I cried. I was prideful, I was angry, but more than anything I was unhappy. On the inside, I couldn't help but feel miserable. It wasn't until I submitted to the will of God and His Son Jesus Christ that I soon began to find my self-worth, and more importantly the worth, trust, and love that my Father in Heaven had for me. I still may not be perfect, but I at least do what I can to help me and those around me get closer and closer to that long-term goal. A couple scriptures that we've begun to use a lot more often in our teachings are Alma 5:33-34, and D&C 89:3. Our Lord loves each and every one of us to always and forever have His arms stretched forth, even unto the most spiritually weak of Saints. If we love Him, follow Him, and let Him in to help us change for the better, He'll open our eyes to just how much He loves us, and how many blessings He has for us.
I just want to conclude by testifying that the Lord truly prepares the way for those whom are or will be ready to recieve us, accept us into their homes and lives, and have come to know just how "curious" they are about the relationship they have been God, His Son, and each of them. We came across one of our investigators, Miguel, when he suddenly showed up to Church 3 weeks ago with his wife, who's a member. They've been together for 8 years, got married 2 months ago, and they just moved back here from Guayaquil. Miguel attended before in Guayaquil, but received us the Tuesday after they came to Church. He's a dentist, he's a really great guy, and Elder Reilly and I have faith that he'll do great things after his baptism this coming Saturday. On a different note, a member family here, the Batioja's, invited some family to Church this Sunday (Sister Batioja's sister Ruth and her husband Eric). It just so happened that Ruth was President of the Relief Society in the ward Las Americas before moving to Ward Sauces while I had been serving down in Guayaquil. I know in my heart that the Lord has divinely prepared my mission for me, and given me clues to help me know that He's been watching. I love you guys a lot, I miss you guys a lot, but I know that my being here has been without a doubt one of the greatest blessings that I have ever been given by my Heavenly Father. I want to thank everyone for all the prayers, love, and support, because
It just blows my mind to comprehend that I've already got 18 months in the mission. It at the same time scares me, because that means that my days are slowly but surely becoming numbered here in Ecuador. It isn't the most mind-blowing place to serve (it does make me facepalm from the things they do and say, though, at times, but I digress), but I can't help but simply be grateful for the person that the mission has helped me grow to now be. There have been nights were I looked back on the person that I once was, and I cried. I was prideful, I was angry, but more than anything I was unhappy. On the inside, I couldn't help but feel miserable. It wasn't until I submitted to the will of God and His Son Jesus Christ that I soon began to find my self-worth, and more importantly the worth, trust, and love that my Father in Heaven had for me. I still may not be perfect, but I at least do what I can to help me and those around me get closer and closer to that long-term goal. A couple scriptures that we've begun to use a lot more often in our teachings are Alma 5:33-34, and D&C 89:3. Our Lord loves each and every one of us to always and forever have His arms stretched forth, even unto the most spiritually weak of Saints. If we love Him, follow Him, and let Him in to help us change for the better, He'll open our eyes to just how much He loves us, and how many blessings He has for us.
I just want to conclude by testifying that the Lord truly prepares the way for those whom are or will be ready to recieve us, accept us into their homes and lives, and have come to know just how "curious" they are about the relationship they have been God, His Son, and each of them. We came across one of our investigators, Miguel, when he suddenly showed up to Church 3 weeks ago with his wife, who's a member. They've been together for 8 years, got married 2 months ago, and they just moved back here from Guayaquil. Miguel attended before in Guayaquil, but received us the Tuesday after they came to Church. He's a dentist, he's a really great guy, and Elder Reilly and I have faith that he'll do great things after his baptism this coming Saturday. On a different note, a member family here, the Batioja's, invited some family to Church this Sunday (Sister Batioja's sister Ruth and her husband Eric). It just so happened that Ruth was President of the Relief Society in the ward Las Americas before moving to Ward Sauces while I had been serving down in Guayaquil. I know in my heart that the Lord has divinely prepared my mission for me, and given me clues to help me know that He's been watching. I love you guys a lot, I miss you guys a lot, but I know that my being here has been without a doubt one of the greatest blessings that I have ever been given by my Heavenly Father. I want to thank everyone for all the prayers, love, and support, because
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