Cupid

Well, what a week, seriously folks this one was a doozy. 

Things were fairly normal until… 

Wednesday: 

We went to Timbío, which as you know for me is heaven on earth. I have never been to a place more perfect in my life, I always love going to Timbío. So green, not very densely populated and the people are always awesome.

We have a family that lives out there; family Bentincur. They are seriously awesome. They had some families that wanted to hear us, which means every single one of their neighbors. It was awesome they are all very interested. The only problem is there isn’t a church in Timbío and to travel to get to church they have to spend at least 7 dollars per person for the trip to Popayan. This may not sound like a lot but really it is here. These people are truly amazing. The only problem is that well, we also had to be at the other end of the Popayan area which is like an hour journey at 6, and well we were in Timbio for a long time. So we were majorly late coming back into Popayan. Super hectic but super fun. 

Thursday:

Thursday was the birthday of my companion, 

and to begin the big day we went back to Timbio because one of the families that we contacted the day before was celebrating the birthday of their daughter as well, so the two celebrated together for an hour, before we had an appointment at 11 in the morning. We left running after the lady somehow snuck a kiss on my companion both of us were completely shocked. He began to sweat profoundly and then said: wow is it hot in here, when well; there was a pretty good breeze, ha-ha.

We left immediately for the wedding in the Notaría. This is where Yoneida and Sandro the parents of Evelyn got married. 

Such an awesome experience. My companion and I were the best men. 

It seriously is amazing to see families progress. They are calling us the cupids because we have another wedding this week as well. After the wedding we rushed off to Katerin’s house were she had a surprise party for Borg. We ate the cake and then jetted off so we could bring the cake to the wedding. 

Then back to Katerin’s and then back to the wedding reception. Huge day. We got back to the house where I had to fulfill the Colombian birthday tradition and hit my companion in the head with an egg and then through flour and water on him. Ha-ha-ha, typical my companion couldn’t let me get away unscathed and rubbed it all over me, ahahaha!

Friday:

We made salchipapas for 40 again.

Saturday:

BAPTISMS…

The stepmother and father of Evelyn got baptized! And the grandma as well. It’s incredible how a girl who didn’t really want to get baptized has changed the life of her entire family forever.

That’s kind of what I want to talk about this week:

How the actions of one person can change the lives of others forever. Little acts of faith really do make a difference. 

However the main point of the week is: 

Patience

When I started my mission here 3 months ago my companion and I had a hard time getting along. I was a person with very little patience, and my companion a person with a very strong will. However in the past three months I have learned the grand importance of patience. Now my companion and I have a great companionship that shows itself through our work and the conversions of our investigators. 

Romans 5:3-5 

3. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4. And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Really you can learn just so much through the tribulations of your life if you let them teach you knowing that today was crappy but tomorrow will be better.

However if you need more:

Mosiah 23:21-22

 21 Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.

22. Nevertheless – whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people.

We are tried so that we can grow. Trials of our faith, tries our patience, the greater our patience the greater we are. Patience is everything here in this life. 

I know it’s hard, I know I know I know

However it is worth it. We just have to put it in our work little by little.

41. But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.

42. And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all the is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.

43. Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.

Work on patience and

 You will be rewarded

CHALLENGE!

Spend one night or do an activity with someone you can’t stand. Try your best to be nice, and afterwards say nothing about how difficult it was, if anyone asks say it was a good time. 

Then I want to here about it people 

I want to hear about your experiences if you are even accepting these challenges or just reading them and turning away from fear or laziness

Tell me about it 

Rawlings.Lyle@MyLDSMail.net

Love you guys

Elder Lyle