Guessing Game

Doing the Work in the beautiful countryside of Paso Yobái

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIV

Another really fun and unique week here in Paso Yobái. As missionaries, we talk about the blessing and the curse it is to be here. Paraguay is such a unique place and we really feel that there are so few missionaries that get to experience on their own missions, what we do here in Paso Yobái.  Elder P and I talk about that too, that the stuff we go through and put up with is so crazy unique, even within our mission! Hahahaha. Making memories for a life time down here.

I want to start off by playing a game. I'm calling it, "a Drunk, a Dog, or a Goat."

In this segment I will explain 3 situations, and I want guesses as to what you think it was--a drunk, dog or goat.

One chased me, yelling as I biked by, and grabbing my pants almost knocking me off my bike. The other tried to fight me, as I laughed at it for peeing itself in the face.  And the other walked into the chapel during church. Guesses?

Anyways, like I said, things are always interesting.

 

Badger is actually very tasty. I was even lucky enough to chew into one of the bullets from the
shot gun that killed it. Also tried money juice this week. Yup. Liquefied monkey on toast.

 

Saturday night was a lot of fun.  President G is on a big activity kick, so we had a huge "Actividad, Noche de Rama Grazu" where we cooked a bunch of chicken and mandio (so good) and invited friends and neighbors.  Elder P and I got to entertain an army of kids by rotating turns on the piano, volleyball, and the two magic tricks I know (thanks Dad).  So, it was a full, really fun night. 

My poor bike is so annoying.  The pedal will keep unscrewing itself to the point of falling off, so then I have to do this awkward "limp pedal," where I use the right one then kick the left one down to bring the right one back up and use it again on a half rotation, so it's just a repetition of half pedals.  It makes people stare even more than they normally would at two gringos in white shirts and ties on bikes, being chased by dogs and drunks alike.  Gotta love the life!

 



Political incorrectness never tasted so good.



Alright, so this week was a really solid week of work with a lot of solid, progressing investigators. It's awesome being able to work every day with a solid plan, and then seeing what the Lord puts in your path and what miracles you can see during the day. One of the investigators we have is a prepared miracle. We found him while contacting one day. The lesson was really with his brother, who we were more focusing in on, and he was quiet most of the lesson. We were talking about why there are a lot of churches today, and how God would have only one true church with His authority. We pulled out the Book of Mormon and Luis A´s eyes popped. "THAT BOOK IS FROM YOUR CHURCH?  I've read that entire thing! That book is the word of God and the guy who translated it, I know is a prophet of God. I've read that entire book.  It talks about how there are only 2 churches.  One of God, and the other of the devil. I knew that whatever church had that book is the real church of God." He has come to church the last two weeks, gave a prayer yesterday, and is excited for baptism next week. Incredible guy, and an incredible testimony, for actually knowing so little. Testimony that God prepares His people.

The other family we're working hard with is family A. An awesome family. He's a great father and has big desires to be baptized, and some of his kids too. The problem is that they aren't married, and he and his wife (strong catholic) don't see eye to eye. They're great, and it's more of a little by little thing.

As you might be able to tell, I don't like to talk too much about investigators specifically. I've written about a lot in journals, only to have crazy things happen or people deny testimony, or not follow the things they know to be true. That's something that is really hard for me to deal with out here. You start to really, really love these people.  But, I am so excited and have big hopes for this group of investigators we have (about 15 right now).  I am praying that the Spirit can really work and testify to them, and that I can learn every day how to be a better missionary for them.

I am so grateful for my testimony of, and my relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm eternally grateful to my parents for introducing me to my best friend. I want everyone to get to know Him a little better, and promise you, if you will read about Him, and do the things He has asked us to do, you will see a notable and distinct difference in your lives. One that will one day, mean everything to you.

All my love,

Elder Parker John Yocum