Endure to the End

And thus passed the final week of Elder Boeno in the mission field. He received permission from President to go visit his past areas and say goodbye. So, most of the week we were running around the state visiting the various cities that he already passed. We traveled al ot, ate even more, and I had the opportunity to see how throughout his mission he had touched the lives of a great many people. 

However, just because we didn't have a lot of time in our own area, it doesn't mean we didn't get anything done. In fact, we were finally able to finalize the long work, and baptize two wonderful families. The story behind one of these families I find really special. 

Homero and Brenda are some really cool little kids. They have gone to church since they were children, and they love the gospel. When we arrive to teach, they pull out notebooks, ready to learn, but they pretty much have taught themselves. The only reason they hadn't been baptized when they were of age, was that their family had been partially inactive for quite some time. The father had always wanted to be the one who would baptize his children, but he couldn't get himself to be righteous enough to do so. So, we challenged him, we set some goals, and we saw a miracle happen. In a matter of weeks, that father changed everything, abandoning all his sins and returning to activity in the church. Then finally, this very week, he accomplished his dream to baptize and confirm his children. The baptism was very special, and the spirit we all felt was immense, as we all felt the happiness of the father and each of his children.

Sometimes we end up in situations like this father, stuck in a corner and thinking that there's just no way out. Many righteous desires, unable to fulfill them. But, the solution is a lot simpler than it seems, we need to realize that just as we got ourselves in, we can get ourselves out, but when we fall in some holes, we'll need some assistance from above.  We should never be ashamed to ask for Heavenly help, or even help from our family here on earth.

With that in mind, thanks for all the help all of you offer me. If there's anything I can do for you, just ask.

Elder Angus

phrase:

... sorry, I can't think of a good phrase. My mind just keeps on wondering... oh wait! que viajem (kee vee-ah-jem) "What a trip," in the sense of someone who's train of thought has traveled beyond the limits of 'normality.'

Photos:

- Baptism of Homero and Brenda

- Baptism of Luciana