This
week flew by so quickly with a trip to Lima (not as eventful as the last
one) and two trainings from Presidente. They were really cool and I
just loved how he unfolds the scriptures. I'm sure looking forward to
religion classes and institute when I get home. You should all
definitely take advantage of those things now.
Probably
the coolest part of the week was the root beer floats for Brianna's
birthday. I really never thought I would find root beer in Perú, but God
does miracles. Then I went on to find Cadbury chocolate in the same
week that of course comes from Birmingham, England. Yeah, it was a good
feast for me.
So
I met this guy at the bus station the other day. Well, I walked up to
him and tried to talk at least. He was the gringoest looking gringo I've
ever seen so I was sure he was going to speak English. Usually I'm
pretty afraid when I see a white person because I don't know if they'll
speak English, but this time I was sure. He was super tall, had a beer
gut, and was smoking a cigarette. So I walk up to him and talk in
English and then he says Franz. I was thinking he said France so I was
like cool, you're from France. Then he said France again so I said, oh
you speak French. Then he said Italian so I thought that was pretty
cool. I was a little sad by my inability to communicate so tried again
and asked his name. He said Franz and then said he's from Italy. It
still didn't click so I gave him a pass along card and walked away. Then
I realized that he was trying to introduce himself and I didn't even
tell him my name. I guess he's just thinking I'm another stuck up
American that doesn't want to learn a new language or something like
that, and he has every right to that. What an adventure! I'll do better
next time.
In
church yesterday I was thinking about sacrifice and about Abraham and
it just hit me. There are so many people that say they have to work on
Sunday for their kids and I think about me. I mean, if I'm going hungry
that's one thing, but I don't know how I would react if my kids are
starving too. That sounds like a perfectly normal fatherly instinct to
me. Then it just came to me. Abraham was not only going to follow the
Lord's will and let his son go hungry, he was going to sacrifice his
son. That must have gone against everything he was feeling, but he
always remembered that he had made a covenant with God to always be
faithful, no matter the price. Abraham is such a great example to me along with my ancestors. The pioneers did the same and I pray I will be like
them. I'm so grateful I can learn these things on the mission.
My spiritual
experience was definitely the baptismal interview that Juana had. I guess it's
even better though because I had nothing to do with it. When Elder Salazar went
working with me this week he asked Hermana Juana if she would be willing to
have her interview on Sunday right after church and she agreed. I thought that
was something new, but it just might work. So on Sunday her daughter told me
that she was busy, but my companion passed by with another member and were able
to help her come to church. We announced that her baptism is Friday several
times to the members and every time she would shake her head and say no, but we
just kept going. She accepted to have the interview and Elder Brown was led by
the Spirit to what he needed to say. I feel like it was really spiritual for me
because I didn't lose the faith. It was hard to keep going when she kept saying
no, we didn't want to force her, but we know she's ready. She had the interview
and we're all ready for Friday. It was really special and I'm so grateful that
Heavenly Father comforted and quieted her fears.
I
can't believe that Ulysses, Jeremy, Matt, and Andrew are all home. I
love you brethren so much. Stay strong and we'll be seeing each other
soon.
I love you all more than I could ever say. Thanks for all of your amazing examples. Have the best week ever!!!!!!!!!1
Love your ever dedicated servant of the Lord,
Elder Aaron Micah Wheatley
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