We learn a lot
from the scriptures. Every time I read them, I'm able to find guidance, peace,
and happiness in my life. And that’s just one of the reasons that I’m here. I
know you see all these pictures of me in the middle of the jungle, the
mountains, in the boonies, or with food. However, those are just perks of being
in this beautiful country of Panama. (Those are better perks than a free
sandwich every work day). Why I’m here is
because I personally have seen how the gospel of Christ changes lives. It has
changed my life. The more I study and learn of Christ, our Savior, the stronger
I feel his love. When I share what I’ve learned I see the change in the life of
others. Nothing to me is more satisfying then being able to participate in this
great work. Every single question that I have answered is like taking a slice
of my favorite coconut cake. When I help others receive answers, I get a slice
of that cake, and they are getting a slice of the cake. It just turns out
Oprah, everyone involved gets a slice of the best cake. Right, and are you
ready for the best part … 0 calories! Man, God has that recipe down. And I
think that is why I enjoy the mission so much.
1) Because I'm
developing a relationship with god through study and service.
2) And I have seen
lives touched by what we do.
Luckily for all
of us this work isn’t just limited to Panama and coconut cake. If we pray and
we look for opportunities to share 'our reason to hope' wherever we are the
Lord will prepare a way. I talk to a lot of missionaries who have returned back
home and each one has told me about their missionary experiences in their
community.
The reason I
started filling out my mission papers is because one day while waiting on a bus
stop some stranger came and talked to me for like less than 15 minutes. He motivated
me to look at my priorities in life. He was praying and searching for a
missionary experience. If he never prayed, I don't know where I would be right
now. Possibly here in Panama, or possibly studying in college. But through his
small, but powerful effort I have been able to touch the lives of a countless
number of people.
In Helaman
3:25-26 We read how these missionaries touched tens of thousands of people’s
lives. But later on, in 3Nephi 17:25 we read that there were only 2,500 roughly
who were in the church. How could that be then? Because these missionaries
understood that by touching the lives of a family, generations to come would
enjoy the blessings. These people would share their testimonies with their
friends and families. they understood this principle.
Your effort
matters. Let God guide you, your effort may seem small, but it could change the
outcome of many lives and generations to come. Take heed to the spirit.
As of lately, I
have been teaching a young woman who is very interested in the church. (i.e. She
actually reads what we give her.) She happens to have a child with special
needs and we had the chance to read with her Alma 40:23 which talks about when
we are resurrected, we will have our body in a perfected form. This was a
special message and she is praying and asking God if the messages we have shared
with her are true. She mentioned that she has felt inner peace and is excited
to learn more. So, I thank you all for your prayers.
Fun fact about
Chiriqui, it has the hottest part of Panama and the Coldest. The closer you are
to the Volcano Baru the colder it gets. I'm not too far away and so it has
actually been a good transition from Boquete that will ease me back into the
heat.
Luckily here
everyone is so far that I am able to do interviews over the phone. We do travel
about two times a week and we have district conference every Thursday. This
last Thursday, I pulled off a wonderful lesson, but nobody was paying attention
so I cut it short and we went to eat pizza. I pulled out 1 Samuel 15 and related
it to exact obedience and selective obedience with the conference talk, “Good,
Better, Best.” This week we will off because an Apostle will be coming to
Panama.
One more thing,
this week right outside of our house we were able to see a parade. I thought you would enjoy some pictures and videos.
 |
| My
companion has taken on my cooking traits. |