Family!
Well, this week has been a crazy one. I wasn’t able to email
yesterday because I was getting my visa in Lima. But it was pretty fun. We went out there with a group of about 15
and stayed in a hotel. However, the night we were supposed to go back to
Arequipa...we got on the airplane and everything. Sat there for an hour and they told us it was
cancelled! But even though that was a bummer...I gained a testimony that God
has his hand in everything. During that hour that everyone was just sitting on
the plane...I talked to a lady who was from the UK. Of all the seats she could
have sat in she sat right next to me. I began to ask her if she believes in
God. And she said "No, I don’t see any reason to." I then explained
that we are all God’s children and that he has a plan for each of us. She asked
many, many questions. And I told her that there are missionaries in London that
could come straight to her house...and she got so excited. This delayed flight
was not a coincidence...God needed me to have that experience. That was a
tender mercy to me!
This week has been a trying one but that is what a mission
is all about...to stretch our physical, spiritual and mental capacity in order
to further this work and allow the missionary to become more converted. I have
learned a lot of patience...especially with my companion. Also, this week I
have gained an immense testimony of the power of prayer. I don’t think I have
every prayed out loud with so much intent before. If any of you have a
chance...pray out loud...there is a completely different level of the spirit
that accompanies.
I am slowly learning how to intently respond to the
promptings that I have. One small example... we were walking down a street
passing many people along the way. I looked up and smiled at one young
woman...thinking nothing of it...so I kept walking. However, I felt this
feeling that said "go back"...but I tried to ignore it thinking
"Oh, she has already passed by and we are late to our next appointment.".
But, an even louder voice said again "GO back!" So, with my companion
looking at me like I was some weirdo, I ran back up the hill, tapped her on the
shoulder...introduced myself and after getting to know her a little bit (with
my childlike Spanish haha). I asked "Do you know what your purpose is here
on earth?" She thought for a minute and said with uncertainty
"Work...my job?" This response just made my heart sink knowing
that... many people believe that "work" is the reason we are here on
earth. I realized then that it is our job as members to let everyone know
around us that their life has a purpose.
Well, I almost got attacked by a pack of dogs the other day
haha. One morning I was running around the park as my companion watched and all
of the sudden I hear a grunt behind me and believe it or not...there was a
giant pack of dogs beginning to jump on me. haha I don’t think I have ever run
faster in my entire life...that definitely woke me up that morning!
We have been working a lot with the less-actives this week.
One of them is an 18 year old boy. One lesson, we asked him to pray to God to
see what his purpose is. The next lesson he shared with us the answer..."Ii
think God wants me to go on a mission". That gave me so much joy. We also
challenged two older ladies to be baptized for this next month. They are
spiritual giants and I hope they follow through.
Well this week has been great! I can testify that when we
pray...he listens. Because like it says in D&C 98 1-3----your prayers are
stamped with the Lord’s seal and testament that they will be answered. I love
you all so so much. I can feel your strength and spirits surrounding me each
day! I pray for you each day. Well, until next week...just keep smiling! That
is always the key to everything!
Love,
Jess
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