My feet have reached their melting point

 January 3, 2014

It is a different kind of Godly sorrow when you have seen someone touched by the goodness and light of the gospel, and then they reject everything.  We have felt a lot of rejection this week.  Tonight we were rejected by Senhor J.  I am constantly feeling responsible for the decisions of the people here.  Could I have done more, worked harder, loved and served with more dedication?  I don’t know.  I think that the answer will always be yes, I could have done more.  The human state is fallen, weak, imperfect.  I hope to be able to develop traits to battle the natural man so that I can say that I have literally given it my all.  I don’t think that I even understand what my “all” is.

Today’s heat index was 50 degrees Celsius or 122 F.  Right now it is 10:15 P.M. and it is 33 C (91.4 F).  We are just sitting here sweating in our room with the fan going full blast.  I have some pretty nasty and tender blisters on the bottom, top, heels, and sides of my feet! But I have faith that all is well and every difficulty will pass.  Plus, a good night’s rest will help.

January 4, 2014

I am battling feelings of inadequacy and missing Sister Z.  I love Sister S, but I don’t love having to be on my game all the time.  Before, I had total confidence in Sister Z that she could and would understand the people’s needs and teach with knowledge and authority.  I miss that.  I am trying to give a good example to Sister S, bu I can see that our contacts and new investigators are suffering.  Hopefully we can be better.

It is really hot, still 32 C in our room, and we are fasting (but only food given the heat index.)  It’s rough.  I need to have more faith in the Lord.

January 6, 2014

Have I told you how hot it is?  I don’t have much energy to write.   This week was hard.  I don’t have much to say, but it was GREAT to see your faces and talk with you during our skype visit. 

The thing that is keeping me going despite 106 F weather (on a cool day) is my personal scripture study and prayer, especially studying the Book of Mormon.  I always find myself relating to the circumstances, and always find and answer to prayer.  It is pretty awesome!  For example, I am struck by the man stories of people going of to war, many times being in a weekended and vulnerable position.  Those who remembered the Lord were given strength and power to conquer.  But, those who are slow to hearken to the voice of the Lord were always defeated.  During our trials we need to trust and rely on the Lord and His power. 

WEIRD SIDE NOTE:

Kite-flying is a big thing here.  On the weekends you will see many grown men flying kites. 

WONDERDFUL SIDE NOTE:

Have you ever heard of he saying, "horse sweat, men perspire, and ladies glow" ? ....not so sure that this is glowing.

The wonderful Sister Brown just brought me brownie mix/dough!  REAL AMERICAN Brownie mix. #simplepleasures.  We have had some great fun playing pass the piggies and bananagrams.  Sister B. is a bananagrams expert!