Funny Experiences:
We went to go contact a reference that a member had given us, she told us that it was a family so we got super excited. We got there and it was a family of only women. Yes. It was kinda wierd, but we taught them and answered almost all of their questions. But, in the process of leaving one of the women asked if we knew an Elder Castillo and she proceeded to describe a white, English-speaking missionary who she saw in a dream tell her to listen to our message. We talked to her for a bit about the possible significance of such a dream and then she told us that sometimes she receives telephone numbers in her dreams. Bizarre, right? Well, it gets even better: this woman calls the numbers! She said that a few times the numbers have been for people that live in the U.S., a few times she has called other countries. She doesn't speak English, so she just calls and hangs up. I just found it amazing that she would call random numbers that actually work.
We had a lesson with a 14 year-old girl this week. We talked about The Restoration and had a really good lesson. But, halfway through she looked at my companion and I and just said, "You both have beautiful eyes. I want my babies to have eyes like yours." She then proceeded to stare into our eyes in a very uncomfortable manner for an extended period of time. We kept teaching but who knows if she was listening. Shortly after she went into a tyrade about gay people and how the world is corrupt. I have NO idea why it happened, but I fell asleep. I was like completely sleeping. I was even dreaming! My companion and I left that house and just laughed so hard.
We had a Noche de Hermanamiento (like a Ward Night that happens once a week) on Wednesday night at the house of one of my favorite member families in Puerto. We had a great lesson by one of the nuevos (the greenies) and we sang some good hymns together. I thought that the evening was finished ans started to pack up my stuff when everyone just stared at me and said "What about the game? Are you not staying for the game?" I said that we would stay for a little bit longer, as we needed to go out and work. One of the Elders started giving instructions to some game that I had never heard of, then he told me that if I didn't understand I would soon catch on. We started playing. One has to get on all fours and meow like a cat and try and get another person to laugh before saying "Poor Kitty" three times. It was SO fun. I only lost once.
Quotes of the Week:
"I swear on the vocal chords of Josh Groban..." This was from a discussion that I had with another Elder. We went a little wild. Had lots of fun that night. Good times.
"How do you say...?" Response.....mumbling in random Miskitu... "But that doesn't make any sense, according to what I've studied..." This is the same kind of conversation that my companion and I have with members and other people when we practice our Miskitu with them. Very confusing and very tough at times. Totally worth it.
Lessons Learned:
The gift of tongues comes when a person needs it and desires it. Sure, that may sound completely common sense, but in my opinion one needs to experience it before they can truly understand it. This Sunday I had the opportunity to teach in Miskitu twice. It was really humilitating, but the people absolutely loved it and were so excited that I was trying so hard to communicate my message with them in their own language. It is a truly remarkable experience for me being able to learn another language and have to learn like most other gringos have to learn when they come to a Spanish-speaking country. I am learning to be more humble and to be an instrument in the hands of the lord. I am loving this opportunity but I'm also working hard to be worthy of this miracle.
I realized how many miracles I have been a part of in my life. I am a miracle, my life is a miracle. Dn't believe me, ask my poor mother. My mission is a miracle, my service here in Puerto is a miracle. I have witnessed so many miracles in my life it is impossible for me to say that God doesn't work miracles in my life. I am grateful for miracles and for the opportunity that I am always given to be part of miracles.
I know that miracles exist. I know that I am a Prince, a Divine Heir to the Kingdom of God. I know that our church is the True Church. I love my service here and am so excited to serve even more diligently and faithfully and serve these people here in their own tongue. I love you all and care about you. I wish you all a good week. Make good decision. Remember that you are all Princes and Princesses of a Divine Heritage.
Love,
Elder B
