Week 14

Well this week has been certainly new and different, it honestly was a week of just work work work. My companion and I have decided that honestly no one that we were working with was progressing, so we basically dropped them all and have decided to start working with a select few. We worked super hard, we did 50 lessons this week, which, given that Sundays and Mondays we only preach for about 3 hours, is a really hard thing to do in a week, like honestly we got home and just passed out. We really need some patience here in Santiago because baptisms here come entirely based on how hard you are willing to work. Its honestly about finding the people who are receptive to hear God´s voice, and then actually act on it. There are so many people that will not listen because we are Mormons, or because it’s what their parents taught them, but there are also plenty of people who are willing to listen. That said, of those who listen, plenty simply refuse to act, and so never receive blessings. As much as we love the people who won’t listen or won’t act, our time is limited, and there are people who are willing to listen, and willing to act, so we just move on if that is the case (listening gets a second visit though). I love Elder Espinoza, the guy is a worker, so we get along well. He and I have really good harmony in our teaching, and can count on the other to respond and say what needs to be said based off of where we stop speaking. We have a little boy named Santiago here in our area, and he should be getting baptized in a river this Saturday, so photos mom :D That said, we also have a part member family that have children that should get baptized in two weeks, and another couple that is living alone, but really look like they will progress. This week we also found plenty of people who have prayed us there, like they prayed for someone to guide them, and then we show up (why occasionally after this, they still have a problem keeping commitments, I do not know). We do have one investigator who is really progressing, he is great, prayed us there, and makes souvenirs. I honestly love the guy and am really hoping he progresses, he is a former alcoholic, and with any luck he should get baptized at the end of the month. Anyways, that is pretty much all that´s going on here, rain season is about to start, joy to the world, but honestly, it’ll be nice to have a break from the heat. I love you all so very much, you have no idea how many of you I pray for, and that I think about, when I think about you guys, I really look back with fondness on everything.

Love,

Elder Standridge