Sister deBenito's Mission: Week 15- Religion Explains why God Does Things and Science Explains How

So this week was busy, busy, busy with meetings!! So we didn't have a lot of proselyting time but we made the best of the week and like always I loved this week like any other:)

Monday- We finished the day out by going and getting the car washed, shopping for groceries, and teaching one of our investigators the word of wisdom. The word of wisdom talks about things we should not be putting into our bodies like coffee, alcohol, tobacco, tea (green or black tea), and illegal substances (drugs, etc.). They were really receptive and said they would follow this commandment since they have been trying not to drink and smoke. YAY!

Tuesday- We headed to Provo and Hermana Brooks went to a leadership meeting while I went on splits/exchanges with the hermanas in Provo! It was a ton of fun!! I went on exchanges with Hermana Butler who is originally from Scotland but has grown up in Spain and has some amazing stories.

We also talked about what we have learned from the mission and her perspective on things is eye opening. After Hermana Brooks got out of her meeting we went to the mission office (which is the best place ever haha). Hna Brooks and I headed back to Spanish Fork and started contacting. We decided to go to a certain house that always seems to have new family members in it. You never know if they'll answer the door or not and if they do answer the door, you don't know who will answer it.. so this time we went up, knocked on the door and a little boy around 6 years old, looked through the window then ran away. You could hear him yell and ask what to do then simultaneously you could hear several voices saying several different things. He runs back to the door, opens it, and says, " ummm.. my grandma is busy and everyone else is out shopping." then slams the door in our face before we could say anything else. haha I love some of the excuses people give so they don't have to talk to us. We walked away and since their dog was in the front lawn we decided to take pictures with her because... why not:)) Hermana Brooks and I love dogs too much not to take pictures with them. They are also always happy to see us:)))

Wednesday-We had a meeting with the leaders in our area. After that meeting we had a planning with our zone leaders for a zone training meeting. We went home to do some studies and then 2 hours later we were out and meeting another set of zone leaders to plan another training for their zone. During dinner at a members house, Hermana Varela shared with us a video of her son's wedding! It was so fun and you could tell they were all so happy.

That night we went over to our investigators house to drop off a suit for him and he was so excited he told us to wait so he could show us how good he was going to look in it! haha He was so excited and he said that it had been 5 years since he had last been in dress clothes. He said he couldn't wait for Sunday to come around and for him to wear it.

Thursday- We had more meetings!! Surprise!! We went to Provo for our zone conference with the Wasatch area. Our mission president taught about barnacles. Many boats in the oceans that sit around for a long time can start to collect barnacles on the bottom. Us missionaries can become like those boats; we let problems and concerns start to grow on us and soon those problems start to bring us down with the weight. But barnacles can only live in salt water.. There is a port in Oregon but you have to go through the Colombia River to get to it and that river is fresh water. So what happens is the barnacles start to die and fall off because they can only survive in salt water. Just like those boats we need to find our freshwater port and dock there. As missionaries we need to get rid of those barnacles and take the weight off that's bringing us down. I'll never be able to reiterate the way our mission president said it but it was so profound and I loved that lesson.

The assistants to the president gave a lesson as well on how we need to work with the members more and help them find friends that could benefit from a message about Jesus Christ. There was soon a testimony meeting from all the missionaries that are leaving after this transfer. One of the zone leaders, Elder Wahlquist, gave an amazing testimony. He has such a strong spirit.

Friday- We had a zone training meeting with our zone and we talked a lot about how we need to forgive, obey, and have unity in our companionship's.

We spent the rest of the night at a high school serving food to all the contestants who had just competed their live stock. everyone was so kind and so fun to talk to. I do not miss being in high school though! haha

Saturday- In the morning we had a zone work out and played volleyball! Ah I missed playing volleyball, we use to play every day in Mexico! Elder Pepper and I also got some chairs and thought it would be fun to hurdle over them. He's really good at jumping over things.. like car hoods and long tables.. not me.

We had a Baptism!!! Angel, one of our investigators was so so happy that the day had finally come! There was so much family that came together to show their support, members and nonmembers. You could feel the peace and joy during those 2 hours.

We went out afterwards inviting our investigators to an activity we had with our ward that night. None of them were able to make it but I have to tell you.. there is nothing better than an Spanish ward activity or this ward just knows how to do it right;)

This activity was to celebrate Mothers Day! The ward had planned the activity to have the dinner from 6-7pm and the dance from 7-10 pm!! They know what is truly important!! Haaha

Hermana Brooks was able to sing a song about mothers and it was beautiful! She has such an amazing voice!!!

Sunday- We woke up early to go to a stake meeting and we were taught how important members are in the missionary work. It's so important that we work together and remember that it is all in the Lords time.

Church was awesome. Every first Sunday of the month we have a testimony meeting and any person that wants to can go up can bare their testimony at the pulpit. We had 2 investigators come and you could see them intently listening to the messages given. In one of our classes we were taught about having a pure heart. One of the ways we can have this is through service. Service is so important as you forget about yourself and go to work. I love that thought.

To make the day even better.. during dinner that afternoon, we were talking to the daughter and mom of the family about missionary work. One of the sons thought it would be cool to come in and show his mom that he had a spider on a stick! If anyone knows me.. I am terrified of spiders and to make it better he had a black widow spider!!!!! AHHHHHHH NO!!!!

This week all in all has been very interesting and definitely one for the books. I hope everyone has had a awesome week and can see the blessings that God gives us every day. Love you all.

Con amor,

Hermana de Benito