No Thanksgiving Break for Me!

Hermana Mora and I both came to the realization that we need to exercise more and eat healthier.  So, on Monday we went to the Tangamonga Park and used the work out machines, then ran around a scenic dirt course 3 times  :)  We couldn't stop laughing at how out of shape we've become - because we were totally struggling for air as we jogged!  haha  In the afternoon we went to the capital to do some Christmas shopping and just enjoy the day together.  We ate lunch in a yummy restaurant and then had our email time.  I always love hearing from everyone during the hour of internet.  In the evening we taught 2 investigators that are both great.  It is so nice to encounter investigators who are humble, open & teachable.

Tuesday, Hermana Mora and I woke up SUPER sore!  We were laughing all day because of how ridiculously sore we felt  :)  We visited Lulu in the morning, who shared with us several experiences that she's had lately of people asking why she's so happy or what happened to the "old Lulu".  She told us that she feels more confident and optimistic, and is excited to go to church again!  Then, in the evening, we watched the movie about eternal families with Teodulo & Maria.  They really liked the video and are going to read about temples & family history work in their Gospel Principles' Manual  :)

On Wednesday, I worked with Hermana Rodriguez again!  But this time we spent the day in her area.  We taught 8 lessons and made several contacts - so you could say it was a good day.  We get along well together and had a really fun day together.

Me in the night cold!!  But we still work hard until 9 or 9:30pm

After lunch on Thursday we visited Teodulo & Maria, where they surprised us by saying they'd prepared food for us.  So we then ate again - and I just about exploded because I was so full!  But it was so thoughtful that we couldn't turn down the invitation.  And afterwards, we had an excellent lesson.  Their 8 year old granddaughter, Joseline, always tries to sit-in on the lessons and offers to read  :)  They are all so special to me.  Then in the evening we taught more investigators - including a mother with her 2 daughters, who are 25 & 17 years old.  They listen attentively and participate, so it is easy to feel the Spirit teach.

On Friday we received a lot of support from the members, because we had 3 different members visit our investigators with us throughout the day.  I love teaching with members and am so grateful for their testimonies and desires to serve.  It's still cold here, but a super nice Hermana gave Hermana Mora and I each fuzzy hats!  They keep us warm in the evenings and I even slept with mine because it's so soft & comfy  :)

Here we are with Hermana Maria Elena, who gave us the cute matching hats that we now use every day!

Okay, I have to admit that I was super nervous to teach Teodulo & Maria about the Word of Wisdom lesson because they always drink coffee with their homemade bread.  But thanks to lots of preparation, practices, and prayers, they were receptive and open during the lesson.  They told us that they were going to stop drinking coffee and committed to live The Word of Wisdom !  It was a great experience and I was so happy  :)

The big christmas tree in the centro!  It's beginning to look a lot like christmas :)

Sunday was the Primary Program!  It was so cute to see all the children sing and share their testimonies  :)  The mother & her two daughters that we visited on Thursday attended!  (Lorena, Frances & Michelle).  Also, Hermana Lulu showed up all on her own  :)  We had a nice evening and visited some recent converts and less actives.  I love Sundays because they are so peaceful and the church meetings always boost my spiritual battery.

Hope everyone had a fantastic Turkey Day!  I am so thankful for all of you  :)

Love,
Hermana Eliason