Elder Benjamin Harris: Happy Bolivian Mother's Day!

May 28, 2018

Hello Everyone,

It seems like every week is chalk full of holidays when you try to respect the cultures of two countries at a time.

We had a great Mother's Day yesterday! (Bolivian holiday is 2 weeks later than U.S.) The sister who feeds us lunch put us in charge which was quite an adventure.

Considering they asked two foreigners and one man who knows nothing about the kitchen to prepare a traditional Bolivian plate, I'd say we did a pretty darn good job!

Pique Lo Macho

In other news, it wasn't quite as chilly this week which was nice. We didn't get to go back to the Grampa yesterday because the appointment fell through, but we will return in the near or distant future.

Sadly, Paul didn't attend church yesterday so we will have to postpone his baptism which was a real bummer. Still not sure what happened.

Joel is struggling with a lot of doubts and has stopped progressing for the moment. We were able to visit Fernando again this week and he accepted a baptismal date for the 16th, but still has trouble staying at Church which keeps him from making friends. So please pray that he can stay for the classes this week!

Felix is doing great, a family from the branch has become really good friends with him and he goes to church on his own now. He has changed a lot and we are super proud of him!

When they try to spell your name...

One miracle we saw this week was with our English classes (finally!!!) Haha there was absolutely no one when the clock turned 5, but at about 5:15 a man named Wilson showed up with his two kids. He asked if I remembered him and I honestly had no idea who he was, but he kindly reminded me he had driven us home from the Grampa the other day in his taxi. I had invited him to the classes and thought nothing of it because about 432890243723895078345 taxi drivers committed to go to the English classes and never showed up, but luckily this time was different!

There was a Mother's day dinner afterward and he stayed with his whole family! They loved being in the church and sadly weren't able to attend yesterday, but are excited to go Sunday and look like a great family!

This week I read a scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 97:8 that teaches a really important principle:

"Verily I say unto you, all among them who...are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice--yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command--they are accepted of me."

Heavenly Father wants us to keep our covenants with sacrifice! A lot of people have trouble understanding the importance and seriousness of a covenant. There is absolutely nothing more important than our covenants! No other priority, activity, or commitment can take more importance in our lives than the promises we have made with God, and we have to be willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary to observe them.

Here are a few more fun pictures: