Go On A Mission Everyone

Update: WHAT A WEEK!!! The work of the Lord has brought out a side of me that I didn't even know existed haha. Honestly, the first 3 months of my mission, I felt like I was only seeing all the many things I needed to work on, but this week I have been so blessed to see my strengths in action.

Our friend Julio got baptized woohoooo. What a guy. The day leading up to his baptism was FILLED with stress, but the opportunity to IMMEDIATELY witness the change in this man, who other missionaries found 6 months ago drunk and addicted to drugs in a random park at night, was once again a life changing experience. THE GOSPEL CHANGES LIVES.

Spiritual: The Psalm of Nefi (2 Nephi 4)

In this chapter, Nephi both rejoices in the Lord, while expressing concern for his shortcomings.

17 O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh (mortal weakness); my soul grieveth because of my iniquities (sins/shortcomings)

19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins

HOW COMFORTING to know even one of the most famous prophets in the Book of Mormon has times of feeling overwhelmed by weakness.

The mission has brought out these same feelings of "o my, I will never be good enough" and I was so confused why I was feeling this way when I was giving MY ALL to God. Why does such a righteous prophet like Nephi feel this type of concern when it is clear he is on the straight and narrow path of God?

ANSWER: "Perhaps the answer is found in the fact that the more righteous people become, the more little imperfections glare at them in the light of truth.

Actually, such people can rejoice that they are noticing such things in their lives now. It is a witness that they are well along on the path back to God."

HOLY FACTS!! This answer goes along with the scripture in Ether 12:27 that says,

12 And if men come unto me (Christ) I will show unto them their weakness that they may be humble; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

It is a good indicator of where we are on the path of righteousness if we can see what we need to work on. With faith and humility, Christ can make our weaknesses become strengths. Sign me up.

Nephi ends with these two verses that are my HYPE UP SCRIPTURES (the most missionary thing that will ever come out of my mouth):

28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul. (CUT IT OUT AND ACCEPT CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR AND GUIDE)

30 Cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, the rock of my salvation.

I have learned to rejoice for all the many weaknesses I have been shown since becoming a full time missionary. Once I let go of pride and let the power of the atonement take over, I have seen my weaknesses strengthened.

This is the time to grow and learn. It is so incredible we have the two most powerful people in all of existence on our team cheering us on. The love I have for my Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, is impossible to describe. I didn't even know it was possible to feel so much gratitude and love. This experience to be a part of the work of God has already changed my nature and natural frame.

Highs-

-We got to attend the Temple!!!

-Sprinting to almost every lesson this week (Its so fun)

- I made a friend that owns a little store that sells fresh bread and now everytime we pass, he gives us FREE fresh bread

-Julio's baptism

-OUR FRIEND BENJAMIN FINALLY HAS THE DESIRE TO BE BAPTIZED #legitmiracles

-I have developed an obsesión with mate

-Hermana osorres gave us more kiwis and lemon pie

-I had intercambios (I got a new comp for a day) and it was literally so fun

-My comp made me eggs, toast, and mate on Tuesday morning #lovelanguage

-I didn't step in dog poop this week

Lows-