This week in Paraguay was a little hotter than last. But, things are starting to settle down to be a cool, pleasant autumn in the Heart of America.
This week was tough for me. For some reason, I just wasn't operating well, and I was really discouraged in the start of the week. I just felt really down on myself and I think I've just always struggled to feel good about my work at anything in life. The result: actually poorer work. Discouragement just breeds bad things, like less diligence. However, on Thursday, I did my very first division with the only other companionship of Elders in my whole District, and that changed things.
During this division, I was with an Elder who has much more time in the mission and probably knows much better than I on a variety of missionary subjects. I always feel like he should be my leader when I'm with him... But, what I was going to say is that we did this division so I could give a baptismal interview to one of his investigators. And it was a truly rejuvenating experience. The sister was incredibly prepared and it was a great opportunity to see someone's faith grow and flourish and I loved seeing her reach this point. She was baptized on Saturday and confirmed on Sunday, and she will be the means of a great deal of good in San Jorge Ward.
At the end of that division, I tried to fulfill my responsibilities as a leader and evaluate our day and efforts, and the Elder really lifted my spirits. He told me I was a truly good District Leader and I left that division feeling wonderful.
After that day, I started to take some time to find ways to keep spirits up, to keep focused on the Lord's work and determined to do His will. I found success and have been able to do much more and in much more efficient ways.
A little bit about people we're working with:
Virgenio and Pablina: New investigators we met almost two weeks ago. They are an unmarried couple who are living together who are truly humble and want to change their lives and circumstances. Virgenio works 12 hour security guard shifts every day without break, but he's trying to find other work so he can come to church. He really wants to have a different life, be renewed. And the Hna. Pablina actually came to church this Sunday! It was so good to see her there. The situation here is one that most missionaries would see as impossible though, because Pablina has a husband who separated from her years ago. So, in order to marry Virgenio and be baptized, she'd need a divorce. Divorces cost a ton here (really it's not much more than 1,000$, but that's a huge amount for the people here). So, it's very possible that they'll be investigating for the better part of this year before baptism, but I have absolute faith that the Branch will come together and get them the help they need to continue on the path towards baptism, no matter how long it takes.
Gonzalo: He's an 18 year-old inactive member who has a child (the child is almost 2 years old). He was baptized when 14 years-old and was a faithful member for over a year, but then fell. Now, he's an incredibly talented person who can operate film cameras, choreograph dance, sing and play music in some professional capacities, and is finishing highschool on an accelerated path so that he can get into some higher education. He too came to church on Sunday and I've actually been giving him some basic piano lessons as a way of helping him want to come to church more. We're hoping to help him to improve his situation and receive the priesthood to be a stronger father and a more capable provider for his son. I think we really can acheive much, but the true test with him comes when I leave and there are no more piano lessons. I don't think he's just been coming for the piano, because he's shown so much sincere interest to grow closer to God, but we're definitely going to need to work on developing a desire to meet with us as a way to love God and the gospel.
Those are the two biggest ones for right now. However, we found some really solid new investigators this week, one of whom has a Capuchin monkey as a pet. We just saw it sitting outside of the house. They're really oddly human.
But, the work sallies forth! Today we're planning on swordfighting (yes, my companion actually used to swordfight before the mission with exaggeratedly cushioned sticks, and so we've fought already up on the roof). Stay tuned for more pictures and adventures next time!
I love you all.
Sincerely,
Elder Harris
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