So this week has been interesting haha. We had transfers and that was really cool! Sad when people leave, but also happy when people came in :) Some of the new Elders and Sisters that came in are so awesome! I went on splits with one Elder, his name is Elder Naumann from Arizona. His mom was the first person baptized in all of the Dominican Republic. That´s pretty neat! haha I had fun talking with him.
Random: There´s this investigator we have as well who at one point was the number one boxer in all of Argentina. That was really cool I thought! His name is Jose Luis.
Well in all honesty, this week has been pretty rough :P even though the time was shorter between P-days, it seemed longer for some reason! We´ve been struggling with our area and our Investigators. I remember during weekly planning we just sat there in silence for a long time. After Elder Bravo started talking to me, and how he's had a lot of success in the past but something is wrong now and he doesn't know what. So I gave him a blessing, which was actually pretty cool because I felt the spirit and I gave a blessing in Spanish! Every time I use the priesthood it´s a testimony to me of the power of heaven. And it´s a blessing to me to be able to have it.
Every day in my journal I write: ¿Que milagro vi hoy? I took this from Elder Bravo, who every night before we go to sleep asks for what miracle we´ve seen today. It´s helps to find the small miracles and to look for the positive. So every night I write that at the top. So I'd like to share some with you :)
One says: We helped Hermana Alassia with our service and our words. There is a sister in the ward, faithful, has a calling in the church and works faithfully toward that. All of her family are members as well (which actually consists of nearly the whole branch :P) and we saw her shoveling dirt in front of her house. Elder Bravo and I came and helped her shovel the dirt, and while we were doing so, she talked to us about how she´s been struggling really hard with some family concerns. We were able to shovel the dirt for her, and talk to her, and although it didn't seem like much, we saw her countenance improve :) and she was happy and laughing after a while.
Another day says: We didn't get knifed. Hahaha ok this freaked me out. Elder Bravo and I were walking past a school and there were some older teenagers standing around being dumb, usually smoking or something. We passed by them and one asked if Elder Bravo had any money. He said no and then asked if the other had money. The way Elder Bravo said it was funny though, he used 'vos'. Just a short explanation of vos, people in Argentina use it in place of the tu form, so as missionaries we shouldn't use it, and they don't even use that in Peru! The kid after he said that pulled out a knife that shot from the hilt and pointed it at us as we passed. Like my heart dropped to my butt haha but we just kept walking and ignored him, and we were left alone. Flipping knife, scared the poop out of me hahaha. Maybe we didn't get stabbed because Elder Bravo used 'Vos' haha, but he later said it just popped out and he had no idea why he used it. That was pretty cool!
Another is about tender mercies. This week I feel like I've struggled in a lot of different ways. Different things kept coming up, of trial and difficulty. And it seemed to pile on from the weeks before. But I have been blessed as well. I've found strength in my Patriarchal blessing, in praying out loud, reading old conference talks. Yesterday we watched the Joseph Smith movie, and his example and life and testimony helped me as well. I know he was a prophet of God and that he is resting from his trials. I'm so grateful for his life, to sacrifice all for the glory of the restored gospel. He´s an amazing man and that movie strengthened my own testimony. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and their music helped me feel the spirit, and reminded me of a spiritual trek experience and the trials of the Mormon pioneers. Seemingly little things have helped me, letting me know I'm still loved of my Heavenly Father and my Savior. Small moments to encourage me to continue onward. I've never thought that being a missionary would be this hard. Or even that so many people would reject this joyful message. Many days Elder Bravo and I have talked to countless people without a single lesson taught. I know this church is true and that it´s perfect. I'm hardcore looking forward to Conference :) It will be awesome!
I pray for you all every day :) you are the best!
Les amo,
Elder Alek Clubb
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