Week 27

Yes, i finally did it. If this computer was ccapable of sending pictures, i would send it to you, because, trust me, my hair was SO long haha But now im looking like a real missionary, so thats good. Rockin the buzz cut for the first time in 4 years.

Not a ton happened this week. We saw just about no progression. I went on divisions with my favorite zone leader, Elder Farnsworth. That was fun. We went and visited 2 less active members, and had some REALLY spiritual lessons, with just a bunch of examples about answers to prayers,a dn the bleessings of reading the scriptures, but they didnt come to church. We even went before church to pick them up, and they got mad at us. THey told us that they were only going to come when they feel ready to come, not when anybody else tells them. So that was weird. I dont think well be going back there again. Which is sad. I really thought that family would progress.

We also had a lesson with this one 18 year old kid and his 17 year old brother. They were baptized 6 years ago, without their parejnts, and went to church consistantly for at least a year. Then the older 12 year old brother got offended by a member, and stopped coming,a nd wouldnt let his little brother go either. his little brother kept telling us how much he loved the church, and the Elders, and was really quiet. But his older brother was not about to forgive these members, and it was pretty bad. We talked about forgiveness and love for a long time,a nd he would just not budge. We even got so far as to ask him how he expects to be forgiven by Christ at the last day if he wont forgive anyone here. We are commanded to forgive all men. But he would not give an inch. We finally decided to end the lesson,a nd the younger brother gave the most sincere prayer i have ever heard. He prayed that his brother would remember how much they had loved church when they were younger, and that he would find his testimony again. And we left.

ON sunday, our district president, and our young mens president for the district spoke in our branch. And they were two of the best talks i have ever heard. On obedience, and just how they got their testimonies. Plus our district president played soccer for River Plate (the New York Yankees of Argentine soccer), so that was cool to hear him talk. There was not a huge turn out in the branch, and i felt way bad for everyone who didnt come because they really missed out. There are some STRONG members of the church down here. It was really good to see.

Our time schedule just changed, so i lost 30 minutes of sleep.So that was too bad.

As i am thinking about what i just typed, it sounds like i had a really depressing week, but im happy, and im cared for, and im having fun. I know that the gospel is true, and im very happy that i know all of you and I seriously love you all so much.

Elder Emil Christensen