So....big news. The Lord has taken me out of my first area a little abruptly and rather quickly. On Tuesday night I got a call from the APs and they said the following: Elder Bolton, there are some problems in other parts of Nicaragua and the Lord has spoken to the Mission President and says that you need to be in Managua, pack your bags and be ready to leave tomorrow at noon (you have emergency changes). That was a little abrupt.
I got to Managua all by myself, took a taxi to a little place called La Primavera (the spring) and met my companion and my district. They are fantastic! My new comp's name is Elder Stratton. He's from Snowflake, AZ. We are working hard together in this very interesting area. I'm in another Branch out here and on Sunday the branch president asked us to be his counselors as I help him organize the branch a little bit more and help have more unity between Branch and missionaries.
Teaching, finding new investigators, everything here is new to me. The people here in Managua are hard-hearted, but not solid as rock. We can still penetrate the hearts of this people. I have found success as I have tried to show a Christ-like example for the people here. Sure it may be VERY different, but I know that I can adapt. I am so happy to have the opportunity to apply a lot of what I have learned and haven't been able to practice out in Puerto. Also, I love that here I live IN my area and that there are just 2 of us instead of 6. I actually have the opportunity to STUDY. Wow... Hahahaha.
It is so interesting how the Lord puts His hands in our lives. I think that He knew that taking me out of Puerto would be like ripping a band-aid off of a wound. It would hurt, but if He did it fast it would be better for the wound (my area) and the bandage would have served its purpose (me). Sure, it is difficult to leave my son, my first area and the amazing zone that I was in to come here, yet it is very evident that the Lord needs my influence here. I have been prepared for situations like this.
I have found solace in reading my patriarchal blessing this week. It helped me to remember that the Lord has said that He'll guide me but that I need to trust in Him.
Well, I gotta go, but I love you all so much. Stay strong and pray lots.
Love,
Elder Braden Bolton
