HE. SAID. HAITI. *insert flamboyant squeal here*
I
told him I had brothers from Haiti and learned he was Elder Romain.
Over the day, I had become good friends with the four Haitian Elders,
and we love goofing off together. There is a bit of a language barrier,
but over all their English is decent and it doesn't matter anyway
because most of the time we just are developing random advanced
handshakes each time we see each other! XD Elder Renard (or Elder FOX as
the English translation goes) taught me this weird like...
foot-shake(?) the other day and I have it DOWN now hahaha!
I
just love the Haitian Elders and we are best buddies! They are just the
funnest and funniest guys! One day I walked by their classroom and
waved and they got up and ran to the door and totally interrupted class
to talk to me. I was flattered but I am also careful when I walk by
nowadays haha! And by the way John.... they have some sick accents,
man!!!!!!!!!!!! I recorded them talking just cuz I know you think the
accent is awesome :)
So, our old Zone Leaders
left last week, they were studs and I miss them! The one thing that
really stinks about the CCM is the fact that people are always
leaving. This Sunday Bishop pulled Elder Christensen and me aside and, boom, we
are now Zone Leaders. Luckily at the CCM it is really not a very
difficult task, and I have been so grateful for this opportunity because
we have been getting new districts in our zone lately and I love
them!!! :) I am learning that the more outgoing and kind I strive to be,
the more outgoing and kind others are to me. That isn't why I do it but
it is awesome to see what friendships can be made when you learn to
forget how "cool" you look or feel and do whatever you can to make
others look and feel that THEY are loved and respected. Helping others
see their potential has been my huge aspiration here, and one of my
greatest joys!!! :) I am really excited for tonight because I get to
meet with the NEW new district in our zone and have some time to inspire
them, encourage them, and love them. :) I have grow to just love
meeting with people, whether it be a district or just one elder, and
doing my best to make them laugh, cheer them up, and spread whatever
inspiration and warmth I can to their heart(s). All these wonderful
elders and hermanas here at the CCM really are "my people" and I am so
thankful for the opportunity I briefly have to just be surrounded by
these newfound friends.
SO, in other news, we
got to go to the temple today, and WOW! That was an experience! The
temple here looks like a Mayan temple, and I was very very happy to find
out that THE HAITIAN ELDERS CAME TO! They schedule it kinda randomly,
but man I was so glad to sit by them on the bus and go through the
session with them! I know all their names and even the two Haitian
teachers.
Side note: Hermano Derival is insanely
good at Foosball! He finds innocent prey to play against, and he starts
out acting like he is clueless... but he slowly gets better and better
as he says he's "mas o menos" ["just so-so"] with every goal he gets. Pretty soon he
reveals a smile, and THAT is when you know you done messed up! O_O
What else... what else...
Well
again, I love the opportunities I have to personally serve others here,
and I relate it to the story of the brother of Jared. My faith grows
so much as I see the finger of the Lord touching the lives of those
around me and illuminating their souls. I suppose that is why the
missionary purpose is to invite others to come to Christ... as you bring
them to Christ, He can touch each of them with his almighty hand, and soon
they simply shine through and through. :)
This work is true. My faith is growing.
My joy is in these seeds I'm sowing.
Boom still got them rhyme skillz haha jk jk! XD
Really
though, I don't what awaits me in the field, but I know who is with me
before me and behind. My Spanish is not perfect but my Master is, and I
need not struggle to find out what to say or what to do in this work. I
am to speak His words, and perform His works. Or more accurately, I am
to empty myself of my wants and will, and be a willing and ready Vessel
of the Lord.
My family, I love you. That
reality becomes more fully cemented in my being daily. But I am also
aware that you are mine eternally, each one of you, so how great is the
importance that I let others know that possibility is right before
them!
The Gospel is true, so please be true to the Gospel.
This Church is true, so please be true to this Church.
To
all who wonder what God wants for them to do and be, and for those who
wonder if He is even there, my invitation is to find a quiet place, take
the shoes off your feet (metaphorically speaking), kneel down, and find
out. God speaks, it just takes effort to hear Him. ;)
Until next time my amazing friends and my beloved family!!! :)
