Tuesday we had a district meeting, and for some reason AP elder Calmes, and future AP Elder Bahr were there, and I had the opportunity to teach with both of them! They are both such great examples to me because they are both about as white as you can get, and they know everything there is to know about how to survive here. I cant wait until that is me. We also have a different hma in our district because one of our hermanas who had 16 months or so had to go home for an illness.... this new hermana... is 72! Wow is she a beast! Her companion normally is 80 and they both sleep in hammocks! Wow I literally have no room to complain about my life.
Weds we had the world missionary conference. All the missionaries in Yucatan got together, and was awesome to see the guys from my district in the CCM, especially Elder Lambert. Elder Ferreira leaves after this transfer and so he had the chance to share some thoughts with us which I would like to in turn share with you. He shared the scriptures where Jesus was tempted by Satan and how both of them were able to respond with scripture, indicating that both know the word of God perfectly well. However just like in the Pre Existence, Jesus is the one who not only has knowledge, but understanding. He also kind of jokingly, kind of not, said that in one more transfer I am going to go to Peto... please no that is a tiny mayan pueblo btws...
The conference was called Teach Repentance and Baptize Converts. There is a great focus on working more with members, and teaching when we find, and finding when we teach. I could understand almost everything, but my problem is that I have to actively pay attention with all my might, and after a while it is exhausting. The mission is literally exhausting because not only is it a lot of physical and spiritual activity, but also mentally draining to focus on every little word that people say. Poor President Garcia tried to exercise for the first time in a while,and in his excitement, fell and broke his foot! He told me that he is ok, and nothing more happened because he has the Cherokee spirit. He also has told me that I have the spirit of a Lamanite, and a strong testimony, hahah I love him so much. When We got back to Tixko, we taught a lesson to the trizy taxista who literally knows every religion and has practically memorized the bible. He also knows our religion and is currently reading the BOM and has already read the D and C.
The next day we met with Liset again, and we watched Meet the Mormons...in Air Conditioning!! A highlight of my life for sure. There is not an 18 year old male in her house, and we were not sure exactly how it was going to work out, but she invited her 20 year old friend Carlos, and not only did we watch the movie but we have a new investigator! I love how as a missionary I can see miracles that I dont necessarily ask for, but that I most definitely need. They didnt really understand that we are normal people too, and that our service is for 2 years and voluntary and so it was great for them to see the movie.
The next day, I went to the dentist to try and fix my fractured tooth in my mouth and it is currently a lot better! I have another appointment next week, and it will be all fixed after that and the lady is a member and did at least the first part for free. The challenge of speaking spanish with a numb tongue was quite the thing to see though...
The next day we had our lesson with Jorge the taxista and it was a miracle because we couldnt find his house, and somehow he drive by us! We went to his house, and taught with him for a good two hours. He believes the BOM is true, and says the Book of Alma is practically perfect, but he does not believe that Joseph Smith received the revelation found in D and C 132. He also doesnt believe that Abraham received similar instruction in the book of Genesis. He likes to try and teach us, but I have been studying the bible and Jesus the Christ like crazy to be able to with hold my own, and teach the things the spirit would have me teach. He likes to be direct and ask questions like will I not be saved if I dont believe in Joseph Smith, or the BOM, or am not baptized in your church? I decided to be direct too, and asked him why did John the beloved recieve the book of revelations if he was in exile and not the head of the church at the time? I then told him, that this is because he was the last living apostle with the authority of God, and that we believe that this authority was lost until restored by Joseph Smith, along with the ordinance of baptism.
Today I splurged and after our interviews in Mérida, we went to Los Trompos.. oh my goodness is that pizza straight from heaven hahaaha!
Love you all and hope you have a great week!!!
Elder Saunooke
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