Stefanya got baptized

Hey Everyone!

So my week started out kind of sad. It was really hard to say goodbye to Elder Perrett and others in my area who were transferred that I'd grown so close to. I felt really lonely and a little homesick.

Hard saying goodbye to Elder Perrett

Elder Espiritu's first day in the mission

My new companion is Elder Espiritu from Lima, Peru. He is coming right out of high school. My first impression was that he seems really young but that he is a nice kid who has tons of motivation and is excited to work! As the week went on I discovered that Elder Espiritu is really quiet. We get along well but there's not a lot to talk about. One good thing I've noticed so far about training is I truly have to forget myself. When I'm not focused on the investigators I'm focused on my companion and making sure that he's okay and doing the right things. So it's a good way for me to turn outward and give everything I have to others.

Daycare center

On Wednesday, we went to a daycare center to do a cultural presentation for kids ages 9 months thru 5 years. It was really cute haha. I spoke about the American flag, Disneyland, and American food. Then they gave us certificates, gifts and completos (hot dogs).

On our way home we passed this tiny little wood hut on the side of the road. We actually just walked past it at first assuming that there's no way someone actually lives there. We passed it and about 15 seconds later I had the impression to go back and knock on the door. We knocked and this old, dirty man came out. He looked at us and before anyone said anything he started to cry. He said he used to have everything - a house, family, food, money, etc. Then his parents died and he got into drinking and lost everything. He said he hasn't showered in weeks, only owns the clothes that he's wearing, goes to the bathroom on the floor of his hut because there's no bathroom, and he sleeps on the same floor that he used to go to the bathroom. He also told us he was just deciding to give up on God because he wasn't going to get an answer to his prayers. He told us that we are the answer to his prayers and I think he's 100% right. There's a reason we decided to turn around and go knock on his door. I have a really good feeling about him.

Stefanya's baptism day

The week ended on a high note. Stefanya was baptized and confirmed a member of the church! She thought the service was really good. I'm super happy for her and the progress she has made in her life.

I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas season!

Love,

Elder Vincent

Saying goodbye to Elder Dawson

Ran into Elder Roundy, my companion from El CCM