The days go back and forth. We are really just starting to go off and just talk to everyone. If there is a spiritual prompting, we take it and just do it. For a while, I tried to take the more friendly approach, and try to really gain confidence and trust and be more of a friend than anything. But we are having this problem where we talk to people, but it just doesn't get to them for whatever reason. Like we start talking and they just start staring off and nothing sinks in and they don't remember anything. Is it because they're not really interested--just wanting to talk about Jesus and the questions that "no one has the answers to"? (Hey guys, WE DO WE HAVE THOSE ANSWERS) Is it the fact Spanish for them is as much of a second language for them as it is for me and they just don't really understand what we are saying? Is it the culture? Your guess is as good as mine.
The thing is that here in Paraguay, you can have a billion "investigators"-- people you can go and talk to and have a lesson with. BUT finding people looking for truth, who want to act, and receive answers from GOD is a tougher find. But, it keeps things interesting.
So basically, we are trying to take a "we are here to teach" stance. From the first meeting, we make our purpose very clear and teach with power and authority from the start. It is a lot of looking into eyes, and testifying--which I actually enjoy a TON. It makes me feel like I'm doing my job.
We are going to go off this week working with the branch president, who is a capo. We finally have permission to go to the tribal lands (shout out to S) and talk with tribe leaders and get the members going back to church. We weren't allowed up there for a while, but we are back at it.
It's a little crazy. There is a squad of members trying to break off from the tribe and relocate closer to the church. There's some beef from the chiefs and it is crazy, like they're asking for help in finding land and relocating like 50 people to "seek freedom." Can someone say Book of Mormon story?
I would also like to comment on my biggest pet peeve. There's this guy that has been working with the missionaries for 6 months. We have helped him work through many of his problems and he was so excited to get baptized on the 9th of April. You know what pains my heart the most? The sight of lights in a window that turn off right after we clap at your house. Elder P and I aren't super crazy smart guys....BUT WE KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE. Who knew, I have the power to make grown men and women with families quake and cower in their own houses rather then be like, "sorry guys, not interested." I was SOOOO MADDD. And really sad.
But through the bad we know the good. There were a lot of good laughs and moments and studies this week. We celebrated the 5th birthday of R, a boy in a family of 3 brothers that remind me of my own brothers. And of course, LA, the guy is a stud and we are excited that he is progressing.
Thank you for all the prayers. I know God loves me and you. Listen to the words from the prophet and apostles, the representatives of Christ, and follow the commandments. Here we find joy, shelter, and peace.
All my love,
Elder Yocum
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