Esperar
I´ve been reading in the book of Second Nephi this week. Here, the ancient prophet Nephi quotes the more ancient prophet Isaiah and rejoices in how simple his words are to those that are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Apparently, I´m not filled with the Holy Spirit because the words of Isaiah aren´t clear to me. Thanks, Nephi. However, I continue to read, ponder, pray, and ask God to help me understand what in the world Isaiah is saying. Read. Think. Read. Think harder. Ponder? Exhale. Ah, Isaiah. Why is this the pattern of our relationship?
Despite the many things I didn´t understand, I did get this one tidbit of understanding from Isaiah: the Lord is fighting for me. This message is repeated many many many times. Among the reassuring promises of the Lord are "I will contend with them that contendeth with thee" and "thy walls are continually before me...I will save thy children" (2 Ne 6:17; 1 Ne 21:16, 25)
It also says in a song that Elder Ryan (my companion) has probably heard me sing more times than he wants to that:
A mighty fortress is our God
A trusty shield and weapon
and for us fights the valiant one
whom God to us has given...
- A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
I know that God is fighting for me. He´s fighting for us because we are his family.
If it hard to see that in your life right now, espere. Esperar means two things in Spanish. Wait and hope. As you both, you will start to see God in your life because God always keeps His word. (Isaiah 26:8-9 we learn what waiting on the Lord should look like. Feel free to look it up:)
Ruben and Elsa
Ruben, my 50 year old, Argentine friend, is a stud. He´s got long, curly black hair, loves ACDC, and loves God. His wife, Elsa, is equally cool in a more motherly, less tough guy sort of way. Elsa has been a member of the church for over 30 years. She and Ruben were introduced to each other through some common friends after which the two of them quickly became a pareja (couple).
One different thing about the culture here in Argentina is that marriage is rare. Extremely rare. The husband and wife relationship exists as a long-term commitment but the official aspect of marriage is almost non-existent.(This is an important thing to be aware of as a missionary because people must be married to be baptized if they are living together.)
This was Ruben and Elsa. They have been together for more than 10 years. About 4 years ago, Ruben started to be interested in the religion of Elsa. He visited the LDS temple in Buenos Aires and a little while later started being taught by the missionaries.
Fast forward through ten months of missionary lessons, tons of paperwork, and sandwiches de milanesa and you get to this Thursday --- Ruben and Elsa´s wedding! After being taught that marriage was a commandment from God and all of the blessings that come from it, Ruben and Elsa set out to get married. They had many many complications with the government due to their previous marriages but they did it. And I got to throw rice.
Jump to Friday and you´re at Ruben´s baptism! (pictures to come. The computer I´m on won´t let me access my photos)
Ruben´s story is much more complicated and much more interesting than I can fit into one email but know that he is a miracle. He has experienced the forgiveness of God. Above all other things that I do here in Argentina, the most important is this - to bring the forgiving power of Christ to my brothers and sisters.
Soccer
Boca and River, the two biggest rivals in Argentina, played each other yesterday. As we were walking in the street, we heard a sudden explosion of cheers and fireworks coming from... well, I think they were coming from everywhere. We didn´t even have to ask to know that someone had scored a goal. I love South America.
I love you guys! If you see my mom this week, give her a big hug for me!
Love,
Elder Smith
No comments:
Post a Comment