Well, I hope my companion is learning something. One thing is for sure. He´s super tired after his first two weeks in the mission field. Yesterday he fell right asleep in sacrament meeting and I sense his exhaustion when he asked me the other day, ¨Elder Graham, what keeps you going?¨ I been reflecting on that question a lot lately, but still haven´t quite been able to find the answer. It was a very good question. However, Elder Rainford is an excellent missionary and it´s been a joy to be with him. He never complains about anything and accepts correction and constructive criticism without getting offended. He wants to learn and already knows a fair amount. The other day we were in a lesson and I was trying to explain to someone why we don´t worship/pray to/venerate the Virgen Mary, or more common here the Virgen of Guadalupe, but she refused to accept it. So, I just decided to start teaching the plan of salvation to her and the others that were listening. When we got to the part about the atonement, my companion read Alma 7:11-13 and then bore one of the most powerful testimonies of Jesus Christ that I have ever heard. I didn´t even know what to say afterward for a few seconds. They all committed to read and pray about the Book of Mormon and one of the lady´s that was there specifically mentioned that she liked very much what my companion explained. It was an awesome moment.
After looking back on the last two weeks yesterday I got a little discouraged. It´s difficult being in the same area for so long because I already know everyone and sometimes I feel like there´s no new ideas left to try. Sometimes I feel like even trying my hardest I can´t get the results I want. I love this ward, but sometimes I get very little help from anyone. Things don´t always function here quite like they do in the U.S. I hope you guys are helping the missionaries back home in any way that you possibly can because participation from the ward members really is essential. I felt a little better though after talking to my old companion, Elder Hurtado. (haha, the advantages of having a cell phone now - calls between missionaries are free). He was my first companion in this area. He called me to check how things were going here in Totolac.
I will probably send you another to email or call you to confirm everything with the call on Mother´s Day. By the way, I just found this weekend that here they also celebrate Kid´s Day. On saturday they had a big carnaval type thing for it and today they are celebrating it in the schools. I think we should have a Kid´s Day in the U.S. too.
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