9 June 2014 - Breaking Records...

Hey!!!

Well, this was a pretty interesting week. I've definitely learned that the Lord tries us before he can lift us up. But don't worry, my entire week wasn't a mess...just one day. haha. We'll get there. The weeks are passing by sooooo fast...yet it seems as though so much happens in that little span of time. This week I have died laughing...but have also randomly started speaking english to my companion without realizing it...I think I'm losing it! haha

We'll start with Tuesday. We were tricked by our branch president. He told the elders that the weekly correlacion misional meeting would be an hour later than scheduled, BUT didn't tell us. Wanna know why? Because he wanted Hna T and I to participate in the branch choir for branch conference that takes place in a few weeks. Wanna hear a secret? Latinos can't sing. They try...but 9 out of 10 latinos can not sing at all. My comp is that one random latina that actually can. So we're now the stars of branch choir...it's rather hilarious. Somehow Nicaragua has turned me into a soprano...at first i thought i had finally figured out how to sing high...but actually i think it's because everyone here sings monotone really low...haha. oh well...haha. It'll be...pretty? haha.

Then...the next few days were normal...working hard...getting burnt to the crisp. I really thought that I was done getting fried...and everytime i think that...I find that my neck is another shade darker. Weird. The hard rain hasn't arrived completely yet, which means bean prices are way up...causing grand scandals here in every Nicaraguan household. Maybe gallo pinto will become...just rice...haha.

This week we worked really hard to get people to commit to go to church. We promised blessings, we promised they wouldn't receive said blessings if they didn't go...we made little reminder notes and made them sign that they commited to go...lots of little things that other missionaries have done and have had success. Well, we tried soooo hard to get people to go to church...but no one came. It was such a letdown. I felt so deceived by everyone I teach. But then...Socio to the rescue! No, he didn't bring a truckload of people to church, but next week...maybe...haha. After church, he called and said he wanted to help us, so we worked with him and 2 of the elders from my district and we went to a part of my area that I'd never gone before....and contacted THE WORLD! Literally. We contacted 165 people...and usually we only contact 20 a day. We broke Socio's old record of 157. It was insane, but so fun! We found lots of new possibilites and I feel so much better about my area now. Sometimes, we just need to change our perspective. There are always people to teach. I mean, in 1 Nefi 3 7, it says it clearly. The Lord giveth no commandment except he prepare a way...and He has commanded me to teach here in Diriomo. And He is always helping us. It was a really humbling experience.

 This week in personal study, I found an awesome scripture that I've been sharing with investigators who are struggling with temptations among other things. It's about Satan. In 2 Nefi 24´16 and 17.  16 Te mirarán ^ade cerca los que te vieren, y te contemplarán y dirán: ¿Es éste el hombre que hizo temblar la tierra, que sacudió los reinos;

  17 que hizo del mundo un desierto, y destruyó sus ciudades, y nunca abrió la cárcel a sus presos?

So basically it's saying that Satan is weak...and one day, we'll realize that and be in shock that that little thing made us fall so many times. It has been helping my investigators understand that they are in complete control if they always trust in God and His plan. I thought it was pretty cool. My comp keeps reminding me how i said it the first time...''el es CHIQUITO!!!!''. Haha. Well, it was funny.

I also learned how to make Nicaraguan food this week! Yay! Basically, it's a lot of beans, rice, plantains, and oil. nothing too complicated. But it was way fun! I also learned how to make pupusas salvadoreñas...so no worries, Mark, I'll know how to make them when I get home. We'll have a latin feast.

Well, that is pretty much my week. Changes are this week, but I think I'm safe. My district will probably change though, because we've all been together for a long time. Which is sad, because I love my district. Distrito los brujos!

That's so crazy that J is coming to my mission! So weird. Maybe he'll come to Zona Los Pueblos!

I hope you all have a wonderful week...and HAPPY FATHER's DAY DAD! I made a card for you a while ago, but it is still waiting on my desk until I am able to track down the post office. one day...haha. I hope you have a great day! It feels like just yesterday I was in the CCM feeling guilty because I didn't send a card for father's day. Time flies when you're having fun!

Love you all!

Hermana MacKay