El Amenecer

Week 2 in Spain and it feels like I have been here a month! Everyday is packed and I'm learning so much. I am convinced there will not be a boring day on the mission because all we do is talk to the most random people. I've talked to cool, weird, old, young, mean, kind people and none of them are boring, especially when I'm desperately listening to understand them. I probably look something like a dog begging for a treat, but you gotta learn somehow.

Yesterday in church, while straining to understand, I recognized the phrase "Tomar sobre sí" in the Sacrament Prayer on the bread, which means "to take upon". This is the same phrase used in Alma 7:11-12 (And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.---And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.) Perhaps not a revelation to anyone else, but because Jesus Christ took upon him OUR infirmities and OUR pains, we now have the opportunity to take upon us, HIS name. With that same obedience, diligence, and of course love, that He demonstrated when taking upon Him us, let us take upon His name. Afterwards, as I was cleaning the Sacrament on Sunday, a boy came up, grabbed a handful of the broken bread and shoved it in his mouth. I was a little shocked, but realized that he simply needs to learn the purpose of the symbols we use in the Sacrament. How often do we, after years of practice, simply grab the bread and shove it in our mouths, hoping that somehow the broken bread contains a metaphysical antibiotic to our sins? The bread is not a pill, it is a reminder, an emblem of our own broken heart, and contrite spirit. That is what brings a cleansing of sin. I hope your seek to enjoy, your sacrament experience, it has become a source of strength for me.

 

Nothing crazy happened this week. Lots of practice contacting in the street which is actually kind of a blast. Madagascar taught me: "Just smile and wave boys, smile and wave" Most the time I just tell them I am learning Spanish and they like helping haha.  We had couple of lessons, and got my first baptism fecha! October 4 Julio Cesar, y'all are all invited. Cool story actually, the guy had moved from another area where my comp had talked to him, and then my comp got moved to this area, so now they're in contact again. A couple of family home evenings with members too. Basically anytime I'm outside with other people is the fun part of missionary work and it's been a lot more of that as we get to know the area better. 

The food situation has been a little rough with no member meals and insufficient funds RIP and our AC has been broken. But who am I to say, the AC said 33, whatever that means. But just being grateful has been a blessing for me, because the joy really just comes from the relationships with members and friends. But yeah if you know quick, easy, cheap recipes I can make, go ahead and send them.

Thank you for your kind emails. With the time zone, I normally read them first thing in the morning and they literally make my day. It seems they come just when I need them. I don't really have time to respond, but know that I read them all, a couple times normally haha. 

Hope y'all are doing amazing,

Elder Dougall