First Day of My Last Change!

Hola!

Today I begin the first day of my last change. President M. says it is very important to measure ourselves and know where we are at in the mission. I have a lot of mixed emotions.

I am in the same house where I spent the first eight months of my mission. It is pretty much the same--only more space because I will live alone with my companion instead of living with the mission nurses as well (maybe just a bit more company of cucarachas...It is a interesting that in my 6th grade class we observed cucarachas for our science experiments. I have no idea why we were studying them, but now I see it was all part of the Lord`s plan. Surely His thoughts are not mine nor His ways, but I am a big fan of His plan. I no longer am afraid of cucarachas. Or at least I prefer cucarachas to spiders).

I am so excited for this change. I am going to be training a new missionary! Her first name is Olga. Not that I will ever call her by her first name, but I already like her. I am excited to be back, see my converts and the members, eat the delicious food here, buy bread in the panaderias, and find the people I did not find the last time. Please pray so that we quickly find the elect and that we can help them accept the fulness of the gospel through baptism. Pronto! Or maybe we will find some of the same people as last time and that would be wonderful if now they can be ready.

My overall feeling is that of gratitude. The people I have been so blessed to meet have changed my life for the better. Yesterday Remigio -- one of my converts that was baptized in September accompanied us to a visit. He shared a testimony so powerful and full of the Spirit that I was nearly brought to tears. I am thoroughly blessed and amazed to be able to see the changes in the lives of these people. Remigio has learned a great deal and is committed to live the principles of the gospel for the rest of his life. Also, Sergio spoke in Sacrament Meeting. I love these people!!!

The days are passing incredibly quickly and I am determined to live and love each and every one. There are so many blessings to serving a mission. Thank you for your support and love. Have a fabulous week.

Hermana Garlock

Shopping List

Dearest Family,

 

Well, on the shopping list today is more detan for the mosquitos. They are taking over but I am fighting back and refusing to be bit.

 

We went to the market in the centro to buy fruit from the people. It was so much fun. We should have put the 30 pkg of eggs in the picture with the bags of beans as well. Hna O and I eat some really delicious food. And all that fruit for just $10. Who does not love Ecuador?!

 

Saturday was Luis and Lorna´s baptisms. It was a really special night. I cannot remember if I have told you about Luis, but the story is pretty neat. About three weeks ago he was at the church waiting to play soccer with some other guys. We decided to sit with them and talk to them about the Book of Mormon. We read Alma 36 and invited them to be baptized-- a group of about 6 youth. Not one of them accepted to be baptized and I was completely shocked. I felt that at least one was going to accept. So we invited them to church and Luis accepted to come to church along with another youth. We ended with a prayer and then started talking with Luis. Turns out that about a year ago he was assisting church and wanted to be baptized but his mom refused to sign the permission because he was only 17 years old. She said he could choose when he was 18. Well, the very next day was his birthday and he would be turning 18. Meaning that he no longer needed signed permission. He still did not accept to be baptized but a little bit of fellowshipping with the members later, he happily decided to get baptized! Luis is so happy now and is going to prepare to go on a mission. Yeah!

 

It was really neat to see how the Lord put us in the right place at the right time in order to meet Luis. Heavenly Father truly knows His children and wants the very best for each of us. His love for us is very individual.

 

Nothing is wasted in the Lord´s work-- He is always preparing more of His children. Sometimes it is easy to feel that there are not results, but the truth is that often we simply cannot see them right away. The Lord is all knowing and all powerful.

 

Happy St Patricks Day!

 

love,

Hermana Morgan