I can hardly believe that it's already P-Day again! Ha. Not that I'm complaining...
I've been hearing all about how fall is in the air back in the states, as well as in the Czech Republic, and other parts of the Northern World.... Sadly, it is still boiling hot here. And it still rains a lot. Just as bi-polar as ever. Ha. The only possibility of a change in weather here is maybe a few extra drops of rain in the semi-daily rainstorms. Ha. No fall for Elder Mooney!
Apart from missing my favorite season, I have had a good week. It's been a roller coaster, as always, but a fun one!
On Tuesday we passed by Guarionex (one of the Investigators that's been taking the discussions since before I arrived) while we were doing some contacting in his neighborhood. We asked him if we could pass by sometime during the week, and then he sorta just went quiet. He proceeded to tell us that he wants to "take a break..." ha, it kinda sounded like a teenage boy that didn't want to hurt his needy girlfriend's feelings. He told us that it wasn't our fault, and that he knew he would lose a lot of blessings without the gospel in his life, but that he needs some time off to rest and to think. It was hard to say goodbye... He was one of the very first people I taught in the mission field.... But I am SURE that his heart has been touched, because I have seen the changes he's made in his life. Now I will just hope and pray that another pair of missionaries find him in the future, and that when they do, he will be ready!
On Wednesday we found an investigator that strengthened my testimony on "planted seeds" and lifted my spirits after losing Guarionex. Her name is Prenda, and what I mean by "planted seeds" is thus: She is 28 years old, and is living in Café cuz she's studying at the WAS (a near by university). Her family took lessons from the missionaries when she was a little kid and all she remembers about the Mormons is a foggy memory of two young men in white shirts and ties. So when she saw us in the street, she told her cousin that she needed to talk to us. So her cousin, the next time she saw us walking by, stopped us and swapped info with us. We called, but to no avail. So we pressed on. But then a couple weeks ago, we were hiking to Café and Prenda was standing on the sidewalk with her cousin! So we met her, and set a time to stop by and meet with her. When we stopped by, she wasn't home... So we left a pamphlet with our number on the back, but didn't hear anything of it.
Then, this last Wednesday we were walking by her house and had some extra time so we decided to go see if she was home. She was! We had an incredible first lesson with her, and she explained that she had something unexpected come up the other night, which is why she left us hanging, but that she really would like to get to know our church, and the things that we believe in. She had all kinds of good questions, and we talked with her for almost an hour!
She explained her memory of the missionaries that visited her family when she was a kid, and told us that she wanted to feel what she felt when they were there AGAIN! It was cool to see her desire, and her hunger for light and truth! It was also a huge testimony to me that the seeds I'm planting right now (Guarionex for instance) will probably not be harvested while I'm here, but that some day, even if it's 20 years down the road, God will find a way to prick their hearts and bring them back into the fold!
On Friday we had Intercambios with the Elders from the CCM again. Ha. It always takes me back to that first intercambio that I did with Elder Zorn and Elder Jensen! Good Times!
Anyway, I was paired with Elder Suaste for the day, and we had a blast! I hope that he and I are companions some day! He is from Mexico and has been a member his whole life! He knows SO much doctrine, and is already an INCREDIBLE teacher! We had a great lesson with Oliva where we confronted some of the road blocks that stand between her and baptism; the greatest being that she wants to be baptized with her husband... But seeing that he doesn't have any interest in talking to us at the moment, we explained to her that she was ready to be baptized, and that she shouldn't procrastinate the day of her repentance! Also, that she would be much more effective at inviting her husband to be baptized if she herself was already baptized! She agreed and committed to pray about being baptized on the 6th of October!
On Saturday we had a pretty chill day. I also had a few more Dominican food experiences... Ha. We went to Pizza House for lunch with Elder Ramos and Elder Rodriguez and we ordered a gigantic pizza that was sectioned off into 3 parts. One was of Pepperoni, one of Ham, and one of... Corn! Ha. It was kinda weird, but surprisingly tasty! So if you wanna try something new, skip the pepperoni, and go with corn on your next home made pizza!
After lunch we had a few visits and then we headed to the Elders Quorum activity! We had three investigators planning on attending the activity, so we got to accompany them! It was great! We went to an underground lake that is in the top part of our area, and while we were down there we had a devotional about unity within the quorum! It was awesome! Ariel, the Quorum Pres, told us that we need to be like lead. Ha. He explained that Doctors put lead vests or blankets on the people being x-rayed to protect them from the damaging effects of said rays. He said that according to his doctor, the vests had to be made of lead because of all the elements, the atoms of lead are the most "unified," and they are so closely aligned that even the smallest bit of radiation cant get through. I vote we all be like lead! Whether you be a missionary that needs to work on his companionship unity, or a family that isn't so consistent with Family Home Evening. Change it! Be more like lead!
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| Underground Lake Trip 9/29/2012 |
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| The group: Back row: My companion, Ariel, Natanael. Front Row: Me, Carlos, Broulio, Mulk, Antonio, and Dímar. 9/29/12 |
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| 9/29/12 |
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| 9/29/12 |
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| Me and the lake 9/29/12 |
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| The Group Underground 9/29/12 |
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| My Chimi 9/29/12 |
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| Mulk and I 9/29/12 |
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| Antonio and I 9/29/12 |
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| The group eating Chimis |
Then, after a few visits Saturday night, we headed home. When we got there I called Oliva to see how her prayer went. Her answer: I want to be baptized on the 6th!! Woo Hoo!!!!
Sadly, because of complications with the communication between our mission leader and our bishop, and some cold feet on Oliva's part, the Baptism has been postponed. But I will have you all know that God does answer prayers! Not only did he confirm Oliva's inquiry to her baptismal date, but he answered my prayers as well! You have no idea how hard I've been praying for her to receive an answer, and to have the desire to be baptized! And finally, due to a divinely planned and guided lesson with Elder Suaste and I during our Intercambio, and much study and prayer on her part, Oliva wants to be baptized!!! I'm SO happy!
Due to the fact that transfers our on the 8th... I dunno if I will be here for it. But I know that her baptism will be one glorious moment for EVERYONE involved!
In other news: Our drain is still clogged. Ha. We talked to the owner of our apartment this week, but he didn't have any solutions. He said we'd have to call our mission office, and they will have to take care of it. So until they get some time to come check it out, we will continue washing dishes in a bucket. Ha.
Anyway. I gotta go. I love you all! And I know this church is true! I know that through faith and prayers all things are possible! And also, that we are constantly planting seeds of faith though our words and examples! So be careful how and where you plant them!
God speed.
-Elder Cade Mooney
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| Some pictures of the beautiful place where I live. 9/29/12 |
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