Testimonies and Birthdays

I have rarely seen more miracles and blessings being made manifest, but first off- who the heck is Marshmello?? Literally every other shirt and sweatshirt here has a picture of him on it- so someone please tell me who he is.  And also, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Elder Campbell and I didn't even know it happened! Haha, Dia de accion de gracias apparently isn't a super big thing in Guatemala... but we feasted on bread and bags of pureed beans that we bought. Then I dreamed about a turkey last night, so overall the experience was basically the same! 

This week we incredible- especially Sunday. Nothing will make your day like a dad walking up to you and saying my son is 9 years old- can you baptize him? But the highlight of the day was testimony meeting. Hermana Burgos set the tone. She is 93 years old, and one of the most faithful members I have ever hem. I'm also convinced she is the funniest lady on earth. Every visit with her I laugh so hard, I cry!! But she shares her testimony every month, and LOVES to talk. Also to give chicote to the ward. Chicote is a 100% Chapin- or Guatemalan word. How do I describe it?- Giving chicote is like... lambasting? Or giving someone a telling to? I am forgetting all of my English words... but basically she loves lecturing the ward. After her last 30 minute testimony the bishop told her she had 1 minute for her next one. When she got up to share, he went to remind her, but she smacked his hand away. At the pulpit she turned around and said, "Uno, minuto, si?" Then proceeded to talk fro 15 minutes. She covered every topic under the sun- but especially that the ward needs to love the missionaries more! Then when she finished, walking back to her seat she raised both arms in the air and shouted "Disobediencia!!" But the sweetest moment of the meeting was when Cecelia Berta got up and shared! They are our investigators and it was their 2nd time at church. Towards the end of the hour, they both turned to Elder Campbell and asked if they could go. "Of course!! he said. Berta got so flustered she forgot how to pronounce our names, so just said "Gracias pur el Elder Flacito y el Canchito!" or, thanks for the really skinny Elder and the Gringo/ Blondie! Haha! Now everyone just calls us Flacito y Canchito! Both of them ended up giving absolutely incredible testimonies- especially Cecilia. She talked about her husband being killed by extortionists, and losing her job because her factory closed down. About being  a single mother and being so lost for so long, until her 2 angels sent from the Lord found her in the streets (us) who were changing her life with the message of the restored gospel. It was so unbelievably humbling to hear, and such a good reminder of the power of the gospel in our lives. 

So often we take for granted this incredible blessing that we have- but to this young widowed mother is was absolutely everything. By way of earthly possessions, they have almost nothing, but to these two sweet ladies, this treasure that they have found is worth more than all the money and fancy cars and  houses that they don't have. From even their short time in the church, they have seen their lives change. I promise each one of you that it can make the same difference in your lives if you'll let it. Turn to Christ and let Him make you into what he wants you to be. As you focus on doing the little things like more dedicated scripture study, more meaningful prayers, acts of service, the activities for Light the World, etc.. and start to look for God's hand in your lives you will begin recognizing more blessings and miracles, and see your lives changing for the better. I know it's possible; I have seen it in these people in Guatemala, and also in my own life. 

Sunday was also Berta's 64th birthday, but they didn't have the money to do anything. Elder Campbell and I bought a cake and candles (don't worry, on Saturday) and walked over with some Relief Society members to sing and have a little party after church. That was a special moment, and humbling as well. If nothing else, a mission will humble you! I love all of you so much, and I can't tell you how grateful I am for your emails, prayers and support.

Humbly- Elder Tadje