17 July 2017

So, we had our first interviews with President Shumway on Tuesday. And it was a little different. I don’t know how to say it but it was different. We started talking and he asked me how my area was and he told me that he was very happy with how I told him, our area is getting better little by little. He told me that he was happy that I was able to see the changes in our area. We talked a little more about that and then he says, well Elder Nelson I think I might have you end your mission in Pueblo Nuevo Vinas. But I’ll see what the Lord says. I then told him, President I only have 9 months here in the mission... He thought I only had 2 months left in the mission. It was pretty funny. But he told me that he would like to keep me here for maybe one more change. But we will see what will happen. 

So in the interview as well President Shumway said that we will soon see changes in the area. And when we came back to work we were with a member that brought his friend to church. So we asked if his friend had time to listen to a lesson. When his friend showed up, I knew who he was. I contacted his house and he said he didn’t want anything. So I was very curious to see how the lesson would go. When we started, it started as every other lesson with a member. Why don’t the Mormons drink coffee_ Everyone always asks these questions. But then we started talking and we had a really good lesson about the church. Maybe he will be a slow investigator, but the way he asked questions was awesome. One of his questions was how is it that we are always happy when sometimes is rains cats and dogs or that it will be super-hot and we always have a smile. The reason he asked the questions is because he wanted that as well. He wanted to always be a light. So we had my comp, a member and I testify about the work as a missionary as well as being a member and how this church helps us receive that happiness. He then said, I would like to meet with you again next week. After I read, and  because you are two cool guys. So hopefully he will want to learn more!!

So our investigators passed there interviews and they are really excited for their Baptism. I’m really happy as well. After we had that interview we went to a member’s house. The members are not too happy with Elder Cruz here in the area. And to be honest its true. I asked them why they felt bad or didn’t feel good with Cruz. And it was because he was more prideful, the members didn’t like how he wanted to change the lives of the members. So I sat down with him and said, Look there are a lot of members and investigators that aren’t to happy with how you are as a missionary. I know you want to work with members and have everyone love you but you need to change your attitude about everything. He would say, oh everyone here in Guatemala is bad at soccer. He thinks he’s the best. As well he thinks Honduras is the best. So, we talked about that and I hope he can change. 

So we had our two Baptisms!!!! We had a great Sunday. We had the opportunity to have a baptism with our zone leader. We didn’t just have one person get baptized, or two, or three, or 4, But 5 people were baptized. Our two and three from the zone leaders. We had a great afternoon full of people and full of people dressed in white! So usually when we have a baptism everything takes place we the baptismal fount is. We had everything set up but there were way too many people. So, we had to change it for the chapel. I was really happy to see the turn out. So, everything went good with the baptism and we were able to confirm all of them on Sunday as well. Elder Harris asked if we should go up and confirm Oscar and Aura. I told him only if they ask us. And just as I said that Aura asked if I could confirm her as a member. I didn’t know what to say. never have I done that in my mission or before in my life. So, you can say I was kind of nervous haha. But I believe that it went good. I was so happy to see all those people get baptized. All those people be washed cleaned. All those family’s getting ready to become an eternal family. 

That was our week. I love you all. Thank you for everything that you all do for me. I am very grateful for all the prayers and support you send my way!! Love you guys!!