Week Twenty-seven.

Hey!

  This was the week of the infamous anual tempest, the Santa Rosa.  We have heard in hushed tones and whispers, almost certainly accompanied by a shiver of dread, for months now... seven uninterrupted days of relentless rain and a downpour of pure evil which would cause even the most weather-hardened missionary to tuck his tail between his legs and plead for an ounce of warmth or hope from any neighbor brave or merciful enough to open the door to him.

  Ok, so it wasn't actually that bad.  :)  It came late this year so the actual storm wasn't so rough.  It rained all week, which was gloomy, but our habit of yelling "Whoo!" and thrusting our umbrellas (I'm on my third for the mission) triumphantly up at the skies each time lightning strikes has kept the motivation levels high and a pair of smiles on our faces.  Because of the torrential attack from on high, we only had 18 people (instead of our usual 50ish) in church on Sunday, but I was struck by how that was the exact number of Maximum turnout to the chapel in my old area, Varela.  We're very blessed here.

  Florencia's mom, Lorena, accepted a baptismal date for the 13th of October!  Her husband José is a little more skeptical and hesitant, but he told us it wasn't because he didn't want to join the Church, but rather because he wanted to be able to commit 100%, without allowing old weaknesses like his trouble with the Word of Wisdom to come back and tempt him after his baptism.  We'll be working with both of them to help them access the changing and impelling force of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  In time I know that family will come to be a strong source of good in this world.

  I've been really pushing myself to be obedient in my thoughts and desires as well as my actions, to be converted into a true disciple and representative of Jesus Christ and demonstrate the depth of my testimony in Him.  It isn't easy.  But it is ever so rewarding, fulfilling, and worth the effort.  I know that the Gospel of Christ is true and that as we take the necessary steps to come unto our Savior, making and keeping sacred covenants, we can be saved and eternally happy together.

  I love you all,

  Elder Hansen