Man, what a great week this has been. I've learned so much and grown so much. Not much, to be honest, happened in the past week that is crazy enough to write home about, but I'll write about some cool things. First, my progress. I feel like I'm getting more used to Spanish. I'm speaking a lot more, still having trouble understanding just about everyone, but I'm content with where I'm at. Of course, I don't boast in my own progress and victories, but I will boast in my God, who has given me his strength and his Spirit so that I can accomplish his work. This work takes a lot of faith in order for success. We haven't "succeeded" much, the people here love God but they have trouble understanding the importance of baptism. We do everything we can here, but sometimes, or really most times, the people just aren't willing to change. And that's totally fine, it's their choice, I can't force them into conversion. I'm just patiently waiting until we find that one person who is ready for us; that one person who wants to change and will do whatever is necessary to change.
Miracle moment- we did a companion exchange on Tuesday, where two companionships swap for a day. So, I had a new comp in a new area for a day. This guy only spoke Spanish, and the area we went to was super cool. The place was called Enriquillo, about an hour south of us. I was able to communicate enough with my new comp in Spanish, which was good. Anyway, before we get on the guagua (Dominican "bus") I pray for help with the gift of tongues or help with the language, and just for his Spirit to be with me. Then, I see this Dominican guy walk by with a shirt that said, all in English, "Be strong, and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9". It wasn't the first time my prayer was answered by someone else's shirt, but that message was definitely intended for me, there are no coincidences in mission work.
I'm doing good here, this place is pretty different from what I'm used to. The food I think has been the hardest part of the adjustment, because it's just rice, and eating only rice every time we get fed by people isn't good for my stomach. The people are really good, they all believe in God, but they just don't understand the importance of going to church. We're trying to help them every way we can though. It's super-hot here, but I got used to that I think, and I'm getting tanner, which is awesome.
My comp's name is Elder Ross, and he's from Texas. He has 16 months out here. He's been helping me a lot with the language, which is great. Our apartment is really good, too. We have a new fridge, cold showers, fans, it's nice. We live with two other Elders as a 4-man house, which is cool.
But yeah, really good week this week. Thank you all for the prayers, I can see the blessings in my life. By the way, I'm totally down to read about you guys! Send me something new or cool that happened in your life, I'm super interested, I promise. I might not be able to respond immediately, but I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks everyone!
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