A Visit to the Beach

We just got through listening to the World Wide YOuth Devotional. I love to the hear the Prophet. I love that he invited us ( I consider myself youth, he's 93, that makes me youthful)  to be part of the Lord's Army to gather scattered Isreal. I know he is a Prophet of God! I'm going to take him up on his invitations, which means among other things, no social media for 7 days. That's not a huge problem but after I post this blog I'll see you on the other side of 7 days.

We also listened and watched the celebration for the revelation that all worthy members can receive the priesthood and the Blessings of the Temple.  That happened 40 years ago. Just a few months after the revelation missionaries came here. We now have a Temple. We are told that the rate of growth for the church is faster here than in any other country. The people here are ready. They all believe in Christ and just need to hear the word of the fulness of the Gospel.  We love how the color of your skin makes no difference here. When we first got here, one year ago, we noticed how dark people were compared to us. Now we really don't notice a difference although the difference is still there. I testify that God is no respecter of people. We are all His children. He loves us all. There is nothing we can do to stop Him from loving us. (there are things we can do to displease Him, but nothing will make Him stop loving us).

As you can see from the pictures we went to the Beach and had a Baptismal service. I think it is every missionary's dream to Baptize in the ocean or in a river. I did it on my mission and the missionaries here can do it with the permission of the Mission President. It sounds like a great idea but it's hard to pull off in a way that is private and spiritual, especially on a national Holiday. That being said, 6 people were baptized and there was a very good spirit there. We got to the beach early but things were hurried along because people were starting to show up to spend the day celebrating the holiday at the beach. What I didn't include is the picture of the lady in the very small swimsuit just a few feet away from the baptism.

We were asked to drive into the capital for a meeting about the missionary transfers that are coming up in the next week. Everything is going to be different and since I am sworn to secrecy, I will not tell you until next week. Let's just say the change was big enough that we felt like it was worth our time to drive 1.5 hours to be part of the meeting. A side benefit of going to the capital is a visit to Price Smart. Our version of Costco. We were getting low on many food items that are hard to find here so we came home with a giant cooler full of bulk food items.

This morning I woke up with the feeling that I should bear my testimony in Fast and Testimony meeting. I usually don't get these types of impressions so early in the day. I tried to put it in the back of my mind because it's hard to bear your testimony in your own language let alone in a language that you are trying to learn. After trying to suppress this feeling for the whole meeting I gave in. I got up and in not so perfect Spanish but in adequate Spanish, I bore my testimony. It was an answer to my prayers this week. I had been feeling a little frustrated that I wasn't fulfilling my purpose here as a missionary, mostly being frustrated with my bad Spanish. I felt comfortable with my Spanish. Later on when we were with the missionaries and teaching a new member I was teaching her about acting in faith and one of the Elders nicely corrected me. The new member told the missionary that she understood what I was saying. I needed her to say that today. I know the Lord loves us and that he hears our prayers.

It's amazing to see how the missionaries lives revolve around transfers. They all know how long they have been here and how long they have left by keeping track of the transfer cycle. Thye can sort of predict when they will move and if they will stay by the transfer history of them and their companion. I don't remember my mission as a youth being like this. Maybe I was just clueless. Anyway, Hermana Borup was invited to a transfer "party" at the Hermana's house. They bought pizza and waited for the call. As part of the changes in transfers, they were only told if they are going to transfer or not. If they are they will go to the capital with their companions and find out where they are going to be for the next 6 weeks (at least). Their companion will find out at that time who their new companion is going to be. As it turns out one of the 4 sisters will be leaving Azua. Hermana Wright will be missed. This was her first area and it was really fun to see her learn how to speak and be a missionary here.

We still love it here. The people remind us every day how to love unconditionally. We know this is God's work and feel blessed to be a small part of it.

Have a great week

Your friends
Hermana Y Elder Borup

Hermana Borup and I drove up to a little village about 4 miles away. These goats were just hanging out  in the shade on a sidewalk.

Same drive this cow didn't seem to want to share the road

The Hermanas in Azua and Hermana Borup having a transfer party. They were waiting to hear who was leaving and who is coming.

At least Hermana Borup wanted the pizza.

Beach baptism. 

The photo op at the beach baptism.

Sorry couoldn't resist this great (looks new but isn't) Super Cub

Nafteli is one of the best member missionaries I've seen. When there's work to be done, he's right in the middle of it.

One of the councilors in the Branch Presidency and his family with their family car.

6 bikes can go on this clever homemade rack.

Elders drinking water from a bag.

One of the advantages of people coming and going into each others homes is you can invite others to stay and listen. She is now a new investigator. 

These two girls live next to the church. They were baptized last Saturday

We went searching for a waterfall and never found it. but we did have an adventure.

In search of a waterfall

Baptism

These Elders all work in the same Branch. They each had 3 Baptisms this week.

The family of one of the girls that was Baptized. Her father and grandmother are members

We got the chance to meet with this 92-year-old. He has a great testimony and wants to get baptized.