Hello family,
Yes surprise, I got changed. I was super surpised and didnt expect it, especially after only being in San Ramon for 6 weeks. I was really getting attached to the people and starting to love everything about the area. But the Lord has bigger plans, and as His servant I promised to follow. I have told a lot of you this, but I love to say it, so I will say it again, I love my mission, with all my heart! Its something I cant quite put into words, its everything and more to me in my life, and it means the WORLD to me. I love being a servant of the Lord, being so close to the spirit and having to work hard every single day, telling people I know without a single doubt that this church is true! I know its true, and I will never stop knowing, or stop telling people it is true. I am now in Guacimo in the Zona Atlantica, its super hot! We just got off the bus so I dont know the area really well, but I know I will love it because I will be on the service of my Lord.
This week in San RAmon was excellent, I saw the Lords hand work many miracles as always. I personally witnessed the power of hte Priesthood right before my eyes. A members mom of 91 years was practically dead when the other 2 elders in our house arrived to give her a blessing, they gave her one of the most powerful blessings and then left, hoping and praying all would work out well. The poor member stayed up all night and saw no improvement and was ready and planning his mothers funeral. But in the morning he heard his mom calling his name, she was a different person. She had new life in her he said, I saw her first hand and witnessed the mighty change in her. This woman, although she was bedridden, had amazing faith, enough to be healed through Gods priesthood. She is defying all that the Drs said she wouldnt do. I know the priesthood is real, and works according to our faith, I know that God works through his Priesthood holders to bless his children. I am so grateful to have this key to heaven on earth and to be a priesthood holder. This reminded me of how important it is to stay worthy, you never know when a mourning person will call on you to call down the blessings of heaven for theirl oved ones. It was truly a powerful testimony building experience.
This last week I completed my first big milestone in the mission. I cant believe 6 months has passed by, it scares me, because I know this time flies by, especially if we give our all and work with all we have. I am so grateful for the time I have, and am anxiously anticipating the time I have left.
I know the Gospel is true, and that it changes lives. It was sent to the earth through Gods Son Jesus Christ, to bless us, and change us and mold us into who we really can be. I have seen firsthand the change the gospel makes in my life. I know without a shadow of a doubt that its true, and I know why everyone needs the gospel in their life and to experience the blessings of having it. I know that I am here to do a marvelous work, I was called by God to do this, and I wont stop until He tells me.
I hope everyone knows how much I love you! Each of you! You all made a huge impact in my life, and with each passing day I think of how lucky I am to know you all! Stay strong! And Know I love you with all my heart!
Until next week
Elder Falor
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Week 26
Hello Family and friends,
Well, like I always say, another week has gone by here in the mission, and it scares me to death how fast the time is flying. I never ever believed it would go this fast, but look, I am almost at 6 months in the mission. And today marks 19 months since my baptism! I was thinking about that this morning, and I cant believe all the amazing experiences I have had in these 19 months, all the while I am making more amazing experiences here on the mission. I remember my baptism as if it were yesterday, there were some bad moments that day, but only because I know and see now that Satan works on those who are trying to get on the right and true path. There was a moment that day where I wanted to back out and not get baptized, or atleast I thought, or satan made me think. But I am so happy I did, that despite the things that happened and the things that were said, I still did it, and I wouldnt take back a single second of that day. Because that day changed my life, absolutely changed my life forever. And now, I am here on my mission in Costa Rica, doing amazing things I never thought were possible.
This week was another week in the mission, sometimes they look the same, walking, teaching and testifying, but they are all so special in their own way. I learn a new lesson every single day here in the mission, and its something I can always apply in my life to make me a better person and son of God. This week we had the amazing opportunity on Wednesday to travel to San Jose and hear a representative of the Lord talk directly to us as a mission. The son of Gordon B. Hinckley came to talk specifically to the San Jose Costa Rica Mission, Elder Richard G. Hinckley and his wife came and spoke to us. Luckily, they didnt speak a lick of spanish, so us gringos got the opportunity to hear of his words in english. We also had the opportunity to hear from our President and Hermana Galvez. They had great things to say to us. They always push us to go forward and to always be better. Hermana Galvez told us that she admits they ask a lot of the missionaries, but they wont stop, and they will always be asking for more. Which is so true, the Lord only deserves the best of our short 2 years here on the mission. We should only give EVERYTHING we have to the mission for those of us who have been given so much. That seemed to be the topic of the meeting as Richard Hinckley closed with his testimony when he said,
"I would love to thank you all for your service and sacrifice and express my gratitude and say it is so great for you to take 2 years of your life and do this, but I wont, even though I am so grateful, honestly, its the least you could do as members of this church. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its the least you could do to leave your families, your friends, your job, your cell phones and your whole life behind to give 2 years of your life to serving the Lord. For those of us who have been so blessed with the knowledge we have, its the LEAST you could do."
That really hit me, honestly, it is the LEAST I could do to show my father in heaven how much all the things I have received mean to me. They really mean the world to me, and 2 years of my entire life devoted to his service is absolutlely the least I could do for him. But it doesnt mean that we have to serve him half heartedly, but with all that we are, every second of every day should be devoted to his service. I love being on this service, this errand, and doing these amazing things, having these amazing experiences, that I know will never come again in the same way as they are now.
We talked in Priesthood meeting yesterday about the fruits of our labors for the Lord. How often times we dont see them right away, and we think we failed. I thought a lot about my own mission. Right now I dont have six thousand baptisms to my name, but it doesnt mean that I havent had sucess. I look back and reflect on all these things and moments and hearts that may have been touched and see sucess. I know if I am doing the right thing in the right way of the Lord, I cannot fail. He wouldnt set me up to fail and to not have sucess. AFter all this is HIS work, and HE is in control.
This week apparently I had some crazy dreams, every one of the Elders in my house have told me that I have been talking in my sleep, I was a bit worried that I was disturbing them, but was happy when they told me that I was not only speaking in my sleep, but speaking in spanish, haha. Weird, but I was excited to know that even when I am not thinking purposely, I am speaking in spanish, I though this was funny that I had been talking in Spanish in my sleep. I hope to see more improvement with my spanish, in the day and in my dreams as well.
Well family and friends, all is well with me here. I am doing great learning more each and every day. Learning how to pick myself up when I fall and how to strengthen my faith and testimony in these things. I love being a missionary. Absolutely LOVE it. I know this work is true. It has to be true, because I feel it deep inside my bones. I know that God lives, and His son lives to direct and guide this church through his living prophets. I know this with all my heart, and I will spend the rest of my life declaring this amazing knowledge.
I love you all with all that I am. I hope this week brings much happiness and joy.
Elder Falor
Well, like I always say, another week has gone by here in the mission, and it scares me to death how fast the time is flying. I never ever believed it would go this fast, but look, I am almost at 6 months in the mission. And today marks 19 months since my baptism! I was thinking about that this morning, and I cant believe all the amazing experiences I have had in these 19 months, all the while I am making more amazing experiences here on the mission. I remember my baptism as if it were yesterday, there were some bad moments that day, but only because I know and see now that Satan works on those who are trying to get on the right and true path. There was a moment that day where I wanted to back out and not get baptized, or atleast I thought, or satan made me think. But I am so happy I did, that despite the things that happened and the things that were said, I still did it, and I wouldnt take back a single second of that day. Because that day changed my life, absolutely changed my life forever. And now, I am here on my mission in Costa Rica, doing amazing things I never thought were possible.
This week was another week in the mission, sometimes they look the same, walking, teaching and testifying, but they are all so special in their own way. I learn a new lesson every single day here in the mission, and its something I can always apply in my life to make me a better person and son of God. This week we had the amazing opportunity on Wednesday to travel to San Jose and hear a representative of the Lord talk directly to us as a mission. The son of Gordon B. Hinckley came to talk specifically to the San Jose Costa Rica Mission, Elder Richard G. Hinckley and his wife came and spoke to us. Luckily, they didnt speak a lick of spanish, so us gringos got the opportunity to hear of his words in english. We also had the opportunity to hear from our President and Hermana Galvez. They had great things to say to us. They always push us to go forward and to always be better. Hermana Galvez told us that she admits they ask a lot of the missionaries, but they wont stop, and they will always be asking for more. Which is so true, the Lord only deserves the best of our short 2 years here on the mission. We should only give EVERYTHING we have to the mission for those of us who have been given so much. That seemed to be the topic of the meeting as Richard Hinckley closed with his testimony when he said,
"I would love to thank you all for your service and sacrifice and express my gratitude and say it is so great for you to take 2 years of your life and do this, but I wont, even though I am so grateful, honestly, its the least you could do as members of this church. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its the least you could do to leave your families, your friends, your job, your cell phones and your whole life behind to give 2 years of your life to serving the Lord. For those of us who have been so blessed with the knowledge we have, its the LEAST you could do."
That really hit me, honestly, it is the LEAST I could do to show my father in heaven how much all the things I have received mean to me. They really mean the world to me, and 2 years of my entire life devoted to his service is absolutlely the least I could do for him. But it doesnt mean that we have to serve him half heartedly, but with all that we are, every second of every day should be devoted to his service. I love being on this service, this errand, and doing these amazing things, having these amazing experiences, that I know will never come again in the same way as they are now.
We talked in Priesthood meeting yesterday about the fruits of our labors for the Lord. How often times we dont see them right away, and we think we failed. I thought a lot about my own mission. Right now I dont have six thousand baptisms to my name, but it doesnt mean that I havent had sucess. I look back and reflect on all these things and moments and hearts that may have been touched and see sucess. I know if I am doing the right thing in the right way of the Lord, I cannot fail. He wouldnt set me up to fail and to not have sucess. AFter all this is HIS work, and HE is in control.
This week apparently I had some crazy dreams, every one of the Elders in my house have told me that I have been talking in my sleep, I was a bit worried that I was disturbing them, but was happy when they told me that I was not only speaking in my sleep, but speaking in spanish, haha. Weird, but I was excited to know that even when I am not thinking purposely, I am speaking in spanish, I though this was funny that I had been talking in Spanish in my sleep. I hope to see more improvement with my spanish, in the day and in my dreams as well.
Well family and friends, all is well with me here. I am doing great learning more each and every day. Learning how to pick myself up when I fall and how to strengthen my faith and testimony in these things. I love being a missionary. Absolutely LOVE it. I know this work is true. It has to be true, because I feel it deep inside my bones. I know that God lives, and His son lives to direct and guide this church through his living prophets. I know this with all my heart, and I will spend the rest of my life declaring this amazing knowledge.
I love you all with all that I am. I hope this week brings much happiness and joy.
Elder Falor
Monday, April 11, 2011
Week 25
Hello all Family and friends,
I hope you are all doing well and that this letter finds you all wherever you are. This week was a rollercoaster here in San Ramon. As is every week on the mission, but Ive really learned the lesson that everyone told me before my mission, is that on your mission there will be days where they are spectacular and amazing and everything goes well, and then you´ll have days where they are not so good, and they are super hard, and you wonder if its worth it. I can really see that every day is precious on the mission, it doesnt matter how difficult the situation may be, every single day is worth the sacrifice and the hard work you put into it. This week has been tough, but its had its moments of remarkable amounts of peace, happiness, and growth on my part. I learn more every day, and I am humbled by the amount that I still have to learn. I feel as though I dont have enough time, even though 18 months is a long time, I have so much to learn, and the time passes way too quickly.
Unfortunately, this week I learned how much satan is at work here. Just because we are missionaries doesnt mean that we are exempt from the works of satan. He works in strange and mysterious ways and it is always against the church and our work here. It is frustrating to see the people you have preparing and working so hard and satan comes in with one small temptation and they fall and it feels like all the work we did was lost. I can testify that the work is never lost with the gospel after the temptings of the adversary. Luckily, and thanks to our Savior, we are never lost and we can always get back up. Like I said, its frustrating to see the works of satan, but I am not mad at him, because honestly, it´s only a testimony builder to me. Everytime I see the way he tries to attack the church, my testimony doesnt weaken but grows stronger and stronger. Why would the adversary work so hard to stop a church that isnt true? Why would he do literally all in his power to stop people from getting baptized if it wasnt the doorway to their salvation?
I can testify with all that I am that after seeing the effects of satan that this church is TRUE, not only is it true, but its the only true and living church on the Earth, it is the church of our Savior whos name it carries. I know that baptism is the doorway to salvation, and I have seen lives changed, and miracles happen when satan and his temptations are overcome. This weekend we had a baptism. On saturday, Maria Sanchez was baptized, a little background information about Maria, her whole entire family, minus her dad was baptized last month before I got here, but she hasnt been able to get baptized because she was living together with the father of her 3 yr old son Joscuam. Her boyfriend didnt want to get married to her, because he didnt want her to join the church. It was tough for her to see her family growing and having these amazing experiences and she was unable to take part in them because of this man. Well, events passed and she ended up leaving him, and moving back in with her parents, and she was ready for baptism. We prepared the day for her on Saturday, and worked as hard as we could to get everything ready for her on this big day. At 2 o clock when the baptism was about ready to start, there was no sign of her. We had our investigators there to watch the baptism and see what it was like, but at 240 they decided to leave and didnt get to watch it. By 3 o clock it was just us and a member of the ward, so we decided to take a taxi to her house and see what the deal was. When we arrived at her house, the whole family was there and they were all a bit shaken up as if something crazy had happened. And something crazy did happen, apparently, Marias brother came home during the day at around 2 o clock, high on crack and cocaine (he is a member who was baptized last month, just another way satan works) with a machete in his hand. He threatened to hurt them all if they didnt give him the things he wanted to sell and buy more drugs. He also told them not to leave the house or tell anyone of this, or else he would really hurt them. So maria ended up staying home and not leaving to her own baptism. When we showed up, we reassured her that this was satan and that she absolutely NEEDED to be baptized, we hurridly shoved us all in the cab and headed up to the church. It was a small and simple service, but the spirit of the Lord was in great abundance, her baptism went great and shenow has the opportunity to partake of these amazing blessings the gospel has to offer. It was the best as she stood up and shared her testimony with all of us present, as she sobbed expressing her gratitude for this moment, the spirit was litterally palpable.
This is just one of the many amazing experiences I have seen this week. I know that God lives and watches over his children and keeps them in his constant care. I know satan is real, but it doesnt mean he has to win. I know this church is true and that only in and through the ordinances of the Gospel can we reach and obtain never ending spiritual happiness, in this life, and the life to come. I am so grateful for my opporunity to be a servant of the Lord, to witness these things that change peoples life, and at the same time to see my own life changed.
I love you all, with all I am. I hope and pray this week will bring many amazing blessings your way.
until next week,
Elder Falor
I hope you are all doing well and that this letter finds you all wherever you are. This week was a rollercoaster here in San Ramon. As is every week on the mission, but Ive really learned the lesson that everyone told me before my mission, is that on your mission there will be days where they are spectacular and amazing and everything goes well, and then you´ll have days where they are not so good, and they are super hard, and you wonder if its worth it. I can really see that every day is precious on the mission, it doesnt matter how difficult the situation may be, every single day is worth the sacrifice and the hard work you put into it. This week has been tough, but its had its moments of remarkable amounts of peace, happiness, and growth on my part. I learn more every day, and I am humbled by the amount that I still have to learn. I feel as though I dont have enough time, even though 18 months is a long time, I have so much to learn, and the time passes way too quickly.
Unfortunately, this week I learned how much satan is at work here. Just because we are missionaries doesnt mean that we are exempt from the works of satan. He works in strange and mysterious ways and it is always against the church and our work here. It is frustrating to see the people you have preparing and working so hard and satan comes in with one small temptation and they fall and it feels like all the work we did was lost. I can testify that the work is never lost with the gospel after the temptings of the adversary. Luckily, and thanks to our Savior, we are never lost and we can always get back up. Like I said, its frustrating to see the works of satan, but I am not mad at him, because honestly, it´s only a testimony builder to me. Everytime I see the way he tries to attack the church, my testimony doesnt weaken but grows stronger and stronger. Why would the adversary work so hard to stop a church that isnt true? Why would he do literally all in his power to stop people from getting baptized if it wasnt the doorway to their salvation?
I can testify with all that I am that after seeing the effects of satan that this church is TRUE, not only is it true, but its the only true and living church on the Earth, it is the church of our Savior whos name it carries. I know that baptism is the doorway to salvation, and I have seen lives changed, and miracles happen when satan and his temptations are overcome. This weekend we had a baptism. On saturday, Maria Sanchez was baptized, a little background information about Maria, her whole entire family, minus her dad was baptized last month before I got here, but she hasnt been able to get baptized because she was living together with the father of her 3 yr old son Joscuam. Her boyfriend didnt want to get married to her, because he didnt want her to join the church. It was tough for her to see her family growing and having these amazing experiences and she was unable to take part in them because of this man. Well, events passed and she ended up leaving him, and moving back in with her parents, and she was ready for baptism. We prepared the day for her on Saturday, and worked as hard as we could to get everything ready for her on this big day. At 2 o clock when the baptism was about ready to start, there was no sign of her. We had our investigators there to watch the baptism and see what it was like, but at 240 they decided to leave and didnt get to watch it. By 3 o clock it was just us and a member of the ward, so we decided to take a taxi to her house and see what the deal was. When we arrived at her house, the whole family was there and they were all a bit shaken up as if something crazy had happened. And something crazy did happen, apparently, Marias brother came home during the day at around 2 o clock, high on crack and cocaine (he is a member who was baptized last month, just another way satan works) with a machete in his hand. He threatened to hurt them all if they didnt give him the things he wanted to sell and buy more drugs. He also told them not to leave the house or tell anyone of this, or else he would really hurt them. So maria ended up staying home and not leaving to her own baptism. When we showed up, we reassured her that this was satan and that she absolutely NEEDED to be baptized, we hurridly shoved us all in the cab and headed up to the church. It was a small and simple service, but the spirit of the Lord was in great abundance, her baptism went great and shenow has the opportunity to partake of these amazing blessings the gospel has to offer. It was the best as she stood up and shared her testimony with all of us present, as she sobbed expressing her gratitude for this moment, the spirit was litterally palpable.
This is just one of the many amazing experiences I have seen this week. I know that God lives and watches over his children and keeps them in his constant care. I know satan is real, but it doesnt mean he has to win. I know this church is true and that only in and through the ordinances of the Gospel can we reach and obtain never ending spiritual happiness, in this life, and the life to come. I am so grateful for my opporunity to be a servant of the Lord, to witness these things that change peoples life, and at the same time to see my own life changed.
I love you all, with all I am. I hope and pray this week will bring many amazing blessings your way.
until next week,
Elder Falor
Monday, April 4, 2011
Pictures!
Yes, I made these. These are baleadas, a dish from Honduras, my all time favorite thing to make :)
The Dead scorpion!
Elder Bertrand and I saying goodbye at changes meeting
Week 24
Hello Family and friends,
Another week has gone by here in San Ramon, and I am sitting here reflecting on all that has passed, it has been a wonderful week filled with growth, learning, loving, and much more. I have really gained a love and appreciation for my mission, I honestly wouldnt trade a second of this time I have here to serve the Savior, I cant think of anything more productive, more fun and enjoyable than this. I am learning so much that I can take with me for the rest of my life.
This week we had the amazing priveledge to watch conference and to hear the inspired words of Gods servants on the earth. I was so excited Saturday morning because us 3 gringos would get the chance to watch conference in English, so we were practically running to the chapel and I felt like a little kid on Christmas. But as I was walking, I saw people who were going about their day like a normal saturday, like there was nothing special going on, and I thought, how sad that these people dont know that we have a prophet of God on the earth, who speaks with him face to face for our benefit, and I reflected on the importance of making these things known to all people, that we have a prophet, and apostles and the true church of Christ, I know that if those people knew what I knew, it wouldnt be just a regular saturday, because Gods mouthpiece was speaking to us, which was ever more reason for me to pick up my pace on the way to conference.
I learned a bunch from conference, stuff that applies to me here and now, and my future, I learned things thatI felt were truly inspired to reach my ears. I loved D. Todd Christoffersons talk when he referred to the talk The Currant Bush by Hugh B. Brown, I read that talk in my first area in a time of struggle and saddness, and it has really helped me, I have to remember that I am not the gardener here, and sometimes God will cut me down to prepare me for something bigger and better that he has in store for me. If GOd doesnt want me to be a certain way, I must accept and give thanks that He is in control in my life, and he shapes me and makes me how I can best be to serve him, and to find joy and happiness in this life. I loved everything about Conference, the spirit was truly strong, I loved that President Monson spoke of the temple being built in rome, that is a huge step for the Church and to think that the same place where the ancient apostles walked and were martyred nearly 2000 years later, we will have a temple, where the people of Italy can enter into the most sacred of covenants in the House of the Lord. Conference was truly an amazing blessing, I enjoyed every minute of it!
This week we found ourselves teaching, teaching and teaching! Which is exactly what I would like to be doing every day, I am never happier except when I am able to bear my testimony and teach people these simple but amazing and life changing truths. We have been preparing a family of 4 for baptism, their names are Alexis, Marta, Paola, and Tanya, they are a great family, and we have worked SO HARD to get them into the waters of baptism, they need to get married but Alexis is Nicaraguan and has to get his papers from his country, so not only have we been working on a marriage for them, but also with their addictions to things not in line with the Word of Wisdom, Alexis has had some bouts with alchol, but we are helping him realize that what he is doing isnt helping him or his family in their progression, and Marta has/had an addiction to coffee. I went and bought her some chocolate mix to make hot chocolate in place of Coffee, she said it would be hard and she didnt think she could do it. I told her about how at one point I drank coffee, and didnt think it would make a difference if I stopped drinking it, but I testified to her that there is a difference and the spirit of the Lord will be with her in more abundance. The next morning (sunday) we asked her how her coffee went because we challenged her to go from 4 cups to 2, she said she hasnt had any cups, and feels great! Alexis hasnt drank in over a week and he said he feels good. There is true strength to be found in the things of the Lord, he knows how to help us and make us strong in order to obey him and his commandments. We are doing everythign to help this family get baptized, and I can truly see the Lords help with us when we do all we can, he makes up the difference.
This week we had quite the funny experience, we were in our room all four of us talking, I was on my bunk and the other three were standing below on the floor. I had my glasses off because I was about to head off to sleep. In mid conversation they all started screaming "AHH!! MATELO MATELO!" I freaked out and threw on my glasses and looked at what they were talking about, expecting just to see a big spider, to my surprise I saw a GIANT scorpion crawling across our floor! Haha! It was freaky, but so funny, and I gave thanks that I got to sleep on the top bunk, I will send a picture of this scorpion so you can all seeit! There is a bunch of wildlife here in San Ramon, more than in Tibas, so far I have seen 2 tarantulas, a zillion toads, a zillion scorpions and a zillion and 3 cockroaches. But that was just a super funny experienec we had, 4 "tough guys" all screaming at the sight of a scorpion.
This week as I heard a song that I have always loved, the words hit me even stronger this time. "Sometimes he lets it rain" is the song title and I thought about that, how in life we all wish that we could have sunshine 24/7, but sometimes God lets in rain on us, and I believe its in hopes that we would show him that we have faith, and that we will excercise it, even when the clouds come in and it appears it will never let up. I have learned this experience more than once on my mission, sometimes, even when we are doing all we can to be what he wants, he lets it rain, and he doesnt let it stop. He has all power and all control over our lives in a real literal sense, but he lets it rain on us, so we can figure out what to do, and show him that we rely wholly upon him and his help in this life. I couldnt do any of the things I have done this far, without his amazing and divine help. I have seen the clouds, and I have felt like they would never leave, but I have seen the sun as well.
I know that the Lord KNOWS and LOVES each and every one of us, with a love that is so personal and so infinite. I know that he is constantly at work in our lives. I know and witness of that love in every aspect of my daily life. I know it because I can see it, I can see and feel the words of the prophet and know that he is called of God, I know that GOd calls prophets because he loves us, and doesnt want us to be alone without a guide in this world growing scarier and more confusing as the days pass by. I know God loves us enough to restore his church on the earth, full of the blessings and authority for all mankind. There is no person in the world that the blessigs of the Gospel cannot reach. I know God lives, I know Jesus Christ lives, and stands as our Savior and Redeemer. I know that this church is true, and I have no shame, doubt, or fear in saying and testifying of its truthfulness.
I love you all, and I hope you all know that. I hope this week brings many blessings and many great things!
You are always in my heart and in my prayers, I love you with all that I am!
Stay strong, keep the faith and lose the fear...
Elder Falor
Another week has gone by here in San Ramon, and I am sitting here reflecting on all that has passed, it has been a wonderful week filled with growth, learning, loving, and much more. I have really gained a love and appreciation for my mission, I honestly wouldnt trade a second of this time I have here to serve the Savior, I cant think of anything more productive, more fun and enjoyable than this. I am learning so much that I can take with me for the rest of my life.
This week we had the amazing priveledge to watch conference and to hear the inspired words of Gods servants on the earth. I was so excited Saturday morning because us 3 gringos would get the chance to watch conference in English, so we were practically running to the chapel and I felt like a little kid on Christmas. But as I was walking, I saw people who were going about their day like a normal saturday, like there was nothing special going on, and I thought, how sad that these people dont know that we have a prophet of God on the earth, who speaks with him face to face for our benefit, and I reflected on the importance of making these things known to all people, that we have a prophet, and apostles and the true church of Christ, I know that if those people knew what I knew, it wouldnt be just a regular saturday, because Gods mouthpiece was speaking to us, which was ever more reason for me to pick up my pace on the way to conference.
I learned a bunch from conference, stuff that applies to me here and now, and my future, I learned things thatI felt were truly inspired to reach my ears. I loved D. Todd Christoffersons talk when he referred to the talk The Currant Bush by Hugh B. Brown, I read that talk in my first area in a time of struggle and saddness, and it has really helped me, I have to remember that I am not the gardener here, and sometimes God will cut me down to prepare me for something bigger and better that he has in store for me. If GOd doesnt want me to be a certain way, I must accept and give thanks that He is in control in my life, and he shapes me and makes me how I can best be to serve him, and to find joy and happiness in this life. I loved everything about Conference, the spirit was truly strong, I loved that President Monson spoke of the temple being built in rome, that is a huge step for the Church and to think that the same place where the ancient apostles walked and were martyred nearly 2000 years later, we will have a temple, where the people of Italy can enter into the most sacred of covenants in the House of the Lord. Conference was truly an amazing blessing, I enjoyed every minute of it!
This week we found ourselves teaching, teaching and teaching! Which is exactly what I would like to be doing every day, I am never happier except when I am able to bear my testimony and teach people these simple but amazing and life changing truths. We have been preparing a family of 4 for baptism, their names are Alexis, Marta, Paola, and Tanya, they are a great family, and we have worked SO HARD to get them into the waters of baptism, they need to get married but Alexis is Nicaraguan and has to get his papers from his country, so not only have we been working on a marriage for them, but also with their addictions to things not in line with the Word of Wisdom, Alexis has had some bouts with alchol, but we are helping him realize that what he is doing isnt helping him or his family in their progression, and Marta has/had an addiction to coffee. I went and bought her some chocolate mix to make hot chocolate in place of Coffee, she said it would be hard and she didnt think she could do it. I told her about how at one point I drank coffee, and didnt think it would make a difference if I stopped drinking it, but I testified to her that there is a difference and the spirit of the Lord will be with her in more abundance. The next morning (sunday) we asked her how her coffee went because we challenged her to go from 4 cups to 2, she said she hasnt had any cups, and feels great! Alexis hasnt drank in over a week and he said he feels good. There is true strength to be found in the things of the Lord, he knows how to help us and make us strong in order to obey him and his commandments. We are doing everythign to help this family get baptized, and I can truly see the Lords help with us when we do all we can, he makes up the difference.
This week we had quite the funny experience, we were in our room all four of us talking, I was on my bunk and the other three were standing below on the floor. I had my glasses off because I was about to head off to sleep. In mid conversation they all started screaming "AHH!! MATELO MATELO!" I freaked out and threw on my glasses and looked at what they were talking about, expecting just to see a big spider, to my surprise I saw a GIANT scorpion crawling across our floor! Haha! It was freaky, but so funny, and I gave thanks that I got to sleep on the top bunk, I will send a picture of this scorpion so you can all seeit! There is a bunch of wildlife here in San Ramon, more than in Tibas, so far I have seen 2 tarantulas, a zillion toads, a zillion scorpions and a zillion and 3 cockroaches. But that was just a super funny experienec we had, 4 "tough guys" all screaming at the sight of a scorpion.
This week as I heard a song that I have always loved, the words hit me even stronger this time. "Sometimes he lets it rain" is the song title and I thought about that, how in life we all wish that we could have sunshine 24/7, but sometimes God lets in rain on us, and I believe its in hopes that we would show him that we have faith, and that we will excercise it, even when the clouds come in and it appears it will never let up. I have learned this experience more than once on my mission, sometimes, even when we are doing all we can to be what he wants, he lets it rain, and he doesnt let it stop. He has all power and all control over our lives in a real literal sense, but he lets it rain on us, so we can figure out what to do, and show him that we rely wholly upon him and his help in this life. I couldnt do any of the things I have done this far, without his amazing and divine help. I have seen the clouds, and I have felt like they would never leave, but I have seen the sun as well.
I know that the Lord KNOWS and LOVES each and every one of us, with a love that is so personal and so infinite. I know that he is constantly at work in our lives. I know and witness of that love in every aspect of my daily life. I know it because I can see it, I can see and feel the words of the prophet and know that he is called of God, I know that GOd calls prophets because he loves us, and doesnt want us to be alone without a guide in this world growing scarier and more confusing as the days pass by. I know God loves us enough to restore his church on the earth, full of the blessings and authority for all mankind. There is no person in the world that the blessigs of the Gospel cannot reach. I know God lives, I know Jesus Christ lives, and stands as our Savior and Redeemer. I know that this church is true, and I have no shame, doubt, or fear in saying and testifying of its truthfulness.
I love you all, and I hope you all know that. I hope this week brings many blessings and many great things!
You are always in my heart and in my prayers, I love you with all that I am!
Stay strong, keep the faith and lose the fear...
Elder Falor
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