Week 4 Out of 78 CCM

Boy does time fly. It really seems like yesterday that I was leaving, and now I only have 2 weeks of English left! Crazy!

So we went proselyting. We taught some lessons and contacted people, I knew what they were saying but verbalizing what I wanted to say is still hard. I find myself translating everything to English in my head. One lesson, the missionary I was with told me I was going to start the lesson and choose the topic. Well I had no clue what I was going to say. I started with a song and prayer and I still didnt know. So I started talking about the blessing of having faith. Well unknown to me, this man had recently lost his wife and was having a really hard time. We talked about how faith helps us in all of our trials. It went well and he said he was going to go to church the next day. Over all it was a good day.

Sunday night was so amazing. Well we had a really good Sunday in general. Our fast and testimony meeting was the best one I have ever been in. But towards the end of the day, our district had our own testimony meeting. The spirit was so strong and it was so nice to hear everyone’s testimony. After the district testimony meeting, we headed up to get ready for bed. It is a tradition here that when it’s someone’s last week that on Sunday night we sing a hymn or two together (all the sisters). So it’s a super spiritual moment.

Meanwhile on the boys side, they were preparing with silly string and pillows to attack the 3rd floor. Well Presidente came, and they had to postpone it.... like 20 minutes. After Presidente left they started attacking with silly string and pillows... Just one example of how Boys are different than Girls. 

Also, Sunday night our elders have started to play guess that elder. It is a really funny game and they describe the person as they are back home. It was so fun. However one sister shut the game down EVEN THOUGH it was flex time... meaning we can do whatever we want. 

Over all the week has been really good. I feel ok with my spanish so at least that is improving. My district is amazing and I love the friends I have here.

Week 3 in the CCM!

What an Amazing week! So Wednesday afternoon we got to listen to Elder Bednar... WOW. Over 700 missionaries there and it was easily one of the biggest groups of missionaries hes ever talked with. I was in the second row and honestly the spirit to so amazing and overwhelming. 

A few things Elder Bednar talked about were the following. First, you can never feel the spirit in a lesson where the questions being asked only have one answer. Also the Spirit works over a span of weeks. It's not just an overnight thing. You may need to be patient and wait weeks to fully recieve an answer. Next thing is Elder Bednar said apostles never go anywhere without a reason. The keys are sent to people that need them, and there is always soemone that needs them. Also, stop worrying if the Holy Ghost is there, He's there. You don't want the Holy Ghost screaming at you, that means you're doing something wrong. Lastly, revelation is not an explanation. Revelations are always conclusions.

Friday Morning we went to Interpol and it was so incredibly boring, but if for some reason I die, they can identify my body, so that's one postive. Oh and there were tons of handicapped cats there... SO FUNNY! That Fridayafternoon there was a small earthquake, no damage as far as we know but it was super exciting.

Saturday was just a good day, we taught a really good lesson on the Plan of Salvation, and our district was super focused so we learned a ton. There's this one Elder, Elder Weight and he seriously is a Gospel Wiz. Every class we learn some random gospel fact that is super interesting. I am so grateful for everyone in my district, and I am sorry there is no district picture.. We are only allowed to take pictures on Pday and we had different schedules but they told us next week, we would be on the same schedule.

Sunday's are so amazing. I live for Sundays here, you feel so rejuvinated after and it truly uplifts you.

Monday night my district went a little crazy, we were just tired, and the por and para thing was just too much for the evening class. However we somewhat got it, and are ahead of the other districts. I probably know the most Spanish in my district, and it's actually frustrating. One of our teachers speaks very little English so he explains it to me in Spanish and I have to translate it to English for the rest of the class.

Yesterday we had service and well I have now mopped and squeegied the asphalt... It's the prettiest asphalt I have ever seen (Editor’s note: that is what the other picture is showing). Last night however was one of the best devotionals I have ever been in. The area President spoke in Spanish and I understood most of it without a translator, and got a lot of little insights out of it. He talked about how its a New Era, a New Time, and we need New Missionaries. The new missionaries are the ones that modify their lessons to each investigator and really work on unifying a ward, not just baptizing. Now we are in a time where members need to be so strong, we go through so much. But missionaries and ward members strengthen each other.

I am so grateful to be here in Peru. It's a blessing in my life. I know this church is true, and I know I am here for a specific reason. I love you all!!

Hermana Lang