11/1/21: Change of plans

 This week we were helping two of our investigators, Araceli and Franco, prepare for their baptism which was scheduled for this Saturday. Franco is 14 years old and reminds me a lot of my own brother in many ways, Araceli is 18 years old and very shy and quiet but is close with her family and the missionaries. They wer both excited for their baptism and prepared dutifully for their interview on Friday. Saturday morning as we were getting ready for the baptism, we got a call from their mother telling us they couldn't make the baptism. She told us the night before Araceli had given birth to her baby!! We knew she was pregnant but didn't know how soon the baby was due, so it was quite a surprise!! So instead we stopped by the hospital to visit the family and the new baby. 



Also we had a service project on Saturday, helping an older lady move. As we started to clean out the house, we notice a few cockroaches. A few turned into many very quick as we went on. Soon thousands of cockroached were pouring out of the room. I was shocked at how many could fit in this small room!! It was actually a good experience because the lady living there was very elderly and struggling to take care of herself so, we were able to move her to somewhere where she could have more help. Service is something me and my companion have been trying to do more of. The theme of our distract this transfer is "llamado para servir, no llamdo para enseñar" or, "called to serve, not called to teach". (an idea I shared, but credit to my MTC comp for coining the phrase). Here in the Santa Cruz North mission, we are constantly teaching lessons and we have appointments back to back with investigators. That's great, but in the ministry of the Savior, not only did He show his love by teaching, but also by serving. We've been trying to emulate that in our our work. We have been setting aside time each day to try and serve alongside teaching, whether that cutting bushes with a machete, washing dishes, or smashing cockroaches. 

There's always a lot that happens here, and I enjoy every moment. Can't wait to share more next week! 

Hasta luego!





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