Week 71/76 Hermanas... Estamos Mal

Presentation 1 - consejo de lideres

We presented in leadership council!! 

I was even more nervous than when we presented in zone conference last week. Especially because they told us on Sunday that we would be presenting on Tuesday! So we got everything ready, we showed up, and they were like 'hey, you guys are gonna go first'. I didn't know we were going first!!! We presented about how we need to nurture the missionaries with love and expectations, like plants, with water and sun. We made it through and I got a fist bump from President. If that's not approval I don't know what is. 

So then after the council with all the leaders, we have to have a council as a zone to teach all the missionaries what President and the leaders taught us. So we had to plan 2 different zone councils for the 2 zones we are in charge of. 

Presentation 2 - Zona Andalien 

Would've been a train wreck if it weren't for the strong spirit pulling it all together! We only had 2 tablecloths to cover 4 tables. The elders rearranged the tables and chairs like four times and then snickered at us because we accidentally sat on the wrong side. We were just about ready to start when the last of the hermanas showed up and one hermana had her hand split open and bleeding. They'd been hit by a car on the way to zone council! So we tried to find a first aid kit in the church (there wasn't one) but we got it all worked out and were able to bring the spirit and grow as a zone. 

Then we left early to go to the second zone council. 

Presentation 3 - Zona Chiguayante 

We got there late because it's an hour away in bus and then the door to the church was locked so the zone leaders had to stall a little bit. We shared about the Book of Mormon and how we need to appreciate it and use it correctly. We came up with goals and plans. And then ended the conference and took another hour in bus to get home. We didn't have a lunch appointment that day so we ended up ordering McDonald's. Then during a zone call that night the ZLs finished reading a scripture and their smoke alarm went off. They turned off the camera and we got a message asking us to finish the call saying they weren't doing well. 

After we got through all the councils, presentations, bus rides, and accidents we had a normal day to work. Except for some reason there was a 2 day cold front and no one left their houses. So we did a lot more walking and knocking than we did teaching. 

But on the very bright side of things...

 - we got ice cream from an inactive member

 - lived my dreams as a crazy cat lady

 - "weeded" a garden

 - started the fourth and final journal of my mission

 - had 2 of our friends come to church and a recent convert from another ward brought his friend to our church too! 

 - we thought we might have to change Adrian's baptism date, but then at church he was telling everybody he was getting baptized this Saturday, so we guess not!

Overall a crazy week. I feel like I say that every week, but this week really takes the cake. 

Spiritual thought:

We've been talking A LOT about the Book of Mormon. About how it is the key to conversion and if we can just read every day we won't fall away. 

I thought about the song 'Scripture Power' It goes like this: 

Because I want the power His word will give to me, I’m changing how I live, I’m changing what I’ll be.

Scripture power keeps me safe from sin.

Scripture power is the power to win.

Scripture power! Ev’ryday I need

The power that I get each time I read.

The power and protection, not to mention the knowledge and guidance, all come from daily scripture study.

Then in my studies I came across this verse in Alma 49 "Yea, and there was continual peace among them, and exceedingly great prosperity in the church because of their heed and diligence which they gave unto the word of God, which was declared unto them" 

I invite all of you to read the Book of Mormon everyday. One verse, one chapter, one story, whatever it is. Read it, study it, ask questions, and find answers. 

I promise that as you strive to read the Book of Mormon each day the Lord will give you power, peace, prosperity, and protection. 

¿Lo leerà?

I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, it is another testament of Jesus Christ. It was translated by the power of God through the prophet Joseph Smith. Reading it everyday has strengthened my testimony and my faith. The Book of Mormon has changed my life and opened my eyes. I know it can do the same for you! 

Mucho amor! 

- Hermana Pratt