Tio

This week, I have been happy but tired, which made me reflect on the exhaustion I felt during my training when I first arrived in Chile. Between living it up and having a sleep schedule like my BYU freshman year in the CCM for four weeks and taking a red-eye flight to Santiago, I arrived at the mission field with very little energy. For the first 3-4 weeks, I would fall asleep in almost every lesson, church meeting, lunch with members, and during my studies. It was terrible. I remember praying so hard for more energy during the day, but I felt like I did not see the results of my prayers. I quickly realized I needed to do my part so that God could bless me with the energy I needed.

First, I began to exercise harder in the morning. Second, I began to eat healthier and eat less sugar. Third, I began to drink a lot of water, and I continued making changes; however, I was only seeing small results. It wasn't until I was studying the scriptures that I found the answer I was looking for.

Doctrine and Covenants 20:22 says that Jesus Christ suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them. In other words, Christ experienced every kind of temptation but did not let temptation take control of Him. He took control of temptation. My "temptation" or challenge at this time on my mission was falling asleep all day long, and the antidote was to give "no heed." Yes, I was putting in the work by eating healthier, drinking more water, etc. However, little things like putting my head down on the table during studies or slowly closing my eyes during church was giving "heed"/leeway to let the temptation of falling asleep win over my desire to stay awake and alert.

From that study until the end of my training, anytime I even had the thought of yawning, I would stand up and do ten jumping jacks. In lessons or church meetings, I would drink water or chew gum. This lesson I learned of giving "no heed" to temptation might sound silly or something so small, but it truly changed my life. Self-control is one of the Christ-like attributes I admire most because it is the most difficult for humans to achieve. As we follow Christ's example of not even paying attention to the temptations around us, big or small, our lives will be filled with the inspiration and heavenly guidance of the spirit.

This week, I have been mentally and physically exhausted, but the phrase "give no heed" has pushed me to still talk to everyone in the streets, pray for the power of the spirit in lessons, and seek inspiration in my studies. God has blessed me for my imperfect efforts.

Highs:

NIBALDO Y GRACIELA will be baptized by their son, who gets baptized next week!

Pedro's mom and sister (Ines y Grisell) want to get baptized.

I'm actually liking the cold weather.

Vicente (recent convert) bought a suit and is now a ward missionary.

Handing out Easter cookies.

Exchanges with Hermana Hunt.

Her name is Taylor too.

The first time in a year, my area saw two gringas walking around, and we honestly felt famous on the streets.

Exchanges with Hermana Alarcón.

She taught me an Argentinian folk song on the guitar.

On Saturday, I wanted Chinese food for lunch, and Hermana Cubillos read my mind.