Alright ladies and gentlemen -This week has had its ups and downs. The whole week went good up to the last day.
On Tuesday the other elders here were moving and so we went to go help. The problem was they moved to a third floor room and to get from the second to the third floor you have to go up a TINY spiral stair case. But that didn't hold Elder Daza and I back. The two of us got all the big heavy furniture up first.. in 10 minutes! Haha we were running up and down the stairs. We moved them in, in 15 minutes haha. Elder Daza and I are gonna have to start a moving business when we get back!
We put a fecha (baptism date) with Jorge and also with Steicy. Jorge isn’t 100 por ciento (percent) sure yet, but he said he would read and pray more to know. His fecha (baptism date) we put is the 29th of Julio (July) and Steicy´s will be the 1st of Julio (July). Steicy´s mom is a member but was less active for a while because of work. And Vilma is doing better! We have a cita (appointment) with her with the bishop's family tomorrow and are going to put a fecha (baptism date) with her for the 15th of Julio (July).
Steicy drew this picture for me.
Later that day we found one of our common drunk buddies. We walked past and said hi and he points up at the sky for 30 seconds and goes, pointing back at us, “God loves us all!... Except Americans!” Then he starts laughing and goes, “It’s a joke! He loves you! And so do I homie!”, then gives me a hug. We were dying! Always remember, God loves you unless you're an American! Haha, oh wow!
The next day was the highlight of my week. Why? Because our shower got fixed! WE´VE GOT HOT WATER! CHEEHOO! I now have a strong testimony of D&C 29:39 that says, “For if they never should have tasted the bitter they could not know the sweet.” Blessings - they exist.
Also, later in my studies I learned something I've always wondered about. It's in D&C 137: 7 & 10. In the D&C manuel it talks about how in the pre-mortal life we had spiritual bodies. Those children who died on this earth before the age of responsibility are automatically “exalted.” What I didn’t know is, in the resurrection the mothers of those children will raise that child until they grow and progress into their spiritual stature, or, their pre-mortal spiritual stature. How comforting to any mother that has lost a child, knowing she will not only get to see that child once again, but she will get to raise that child to adulthood! How cool right?? I never knew that.
Later that day I did an interview for the baptism of the elders in Salaverry. It was a couple and she like told me her life story haha. She took an hour to interview and her husband took 20 minutes haha, but she invited us to their wedding the following day, so that’s who the wedding pictures are of.
Me with the newly married couple.
Elders and Sisters at the wedding celebration.
Me and Elder Daza enjoying wedding food.
After all that and a great interchange with Elder Daza, came Sunday, which just was not a good day.. but the mission is like that. Ups and downs. The worst part was at 7:15 when we decided to go try to see Jarira… bad idea. I've told you about her a couple times. Her family just won't let us visit her. We knocked and her husband sees us through the window and just shakes his head and sits back down on his couch to watch TV. I then just stand at the window and ask if I can just ask him a question. After a few seconds of us not leaving, he gets up and storms to the door. He opens the door and starts yelling at us and swearing at us. Meanwhile, I keep trying to ask if I can ask him a question. He finally goes, “I'm going to the police!” (They're stationed across the street.) We thought, okay.. we will wait then. We aren’t doing anything wrong. He goes around the corner and then comes to the corner again, pointing to the police station, acting like he is waiting for something. He goes around the corner for 2 more minutes then returns. I ask, “Are they coming?” He then just continues to yell and swear at us. Meanwhile, the second counselor in the bishopric and his wife pass by and wait 2 houses down. After the continuation of the man yelling and swearing, Jahir (2nd counselor) goes, “Let's go elders, you did your part.” We tried to then thank the man for his kindness and shake his hand, but he just puts his hands behind his back and goes, “No! Get out of my presence!” …. Yeah, that went well.. Jahir and his wife waited to comfort us. I couldn’t help but cry. Not because of the man and his words and threats but because I've been praying for this man for over a week, hoping he could open his heart, and now I know we will never return. I couldn't speak without bursting into tears, feeling so bad for this man. Just like Alma and Amulek and various other prophets in the Book of Mormon that feel that sadness because of the people's stubborness and wickedness. That's how I felt. And I just poured my heart out to the Lord that night that He would have mercy on that family and that they can find peace. I just feel horrible. Something that Jair told me though is that one day that man is going to feel bad for what he did. Luckily today I could let it all out in boxing haha. That's why I love boxing with Abraham in the morning haha.
Anyway, that's all I've got for you today. I love you all and hope you all have a great week! Cuídense y espero que tengan un buena semana. (Take care and I hope you have a good week.)
Con amor, Elder Rokovitz
Con amor, Elder Rokovitz
I know you're all wondering if Jose Luis followed through with his end of the aceituna bet......Yep, he did!! Jose Luis came to church this week. We are so proud of him and love him so much.
One big happy family. Elder Aldea, Elder Scott, me, Ana, Jose Luis, their children and Elder Daza in front. Love this family.
Me and Elder Daza after some futbol.
