Elder Benjamin Michael Conover Mission Blog : Week 44: And That's A Wrap

Hello Everyone!

It was a very interesting week, and it ended my time here in Colonia Bombal. I received the call last night that I am leaving, but I will talk about that a little bit more later.

First off, on PDAY, we went with some other Elders to San Martin, and we played soccer with all gringos, which was way fun.

On Tuesday, we had the district meeting, and then after, we went to the hospital, because my toe had some pain, and I was afraid of that since I got it operated on before. They took an Xray, and then we got back to the area at about 6:30 in the afternoon, and I felt sick and had a headache so we went and picked up clothes and then I went to rest cause I felt terrible haha.

Anyways, we got to have exchanges on Wednesday until Thursday in Maipu, which were great, but it was so weird to be working without bikes. It was quite strange haha.

During studies on Thursday, I had a really cool experience. I decided to study Enos 1, and it was such a blessed study. I felt the spirit so much and received so much guidance from the Lord. The Lord truly watches over us and allows us to be guided by his merciful hand when we allow him into our lives and do the things he wants us to do.

The next couple of days, we worked hard setting appointments and contacting people, but unfortunately, all but one of the appointments fell through, but we did get to go into the Ribeiro Family´s house. We gave a small message because their kid is insane and drives the spirit out, but they are still interested in the church and want to learn more and more. When I went to say goodbye to them, they said that they believe that God wanted us to find them because they needed it. So cool! It has been a blessing of the Lord to be able to find them and get to know them.

Anyways, we had an appointment with Maria (the woman who we gave a blessing to) and unfortunately, she dropped us. Her husband doesnt want us to come, so we cant do much. That made us sad, but we have confidence in the Lord that we know that we have done our part and she will someday hear the truth of the restored Gospel.

Sunday was great, because we had ward conference, and the meetings were inspiring. Then, at the end, I got to say goodbye to all the ward members, and take pictures and what not. It was a great blessing because no matter how hard an area is, the Lord blesses us with so much love.

Sunday night, I got a call from my trainer, Elder Ribeiro. He told me that last week, Sergio, the man that we taught in San Miguel, died. And, as a result, Ines is super sad, but she wants to feel better, and that she will be baptized on this coming Saturday. So, this morning, Elder Sorenson and I took a bus to San Miguel to see her and Facundo, the boy that we baptized there. It was such a sweet visit, and such a blessing. I noticed that now I can speak spanish, since I can understand the people there more now. During our visit with Ines, we saw a lot of pictures of the savior and of the temple that were not there before, where there we catholic saints before. When she opened the door, she exclaimed in happtiness to see me, which just warmed my soul. She told me how much it hurt, but that she feels at peace and knows that he is still around in spirit. And, the missionaries told me that her kids are now taking the discussions. SUCH A BLESSING!

Then, I had the opportunity to go see Facundo, who is still active in the church! Such a Stud!

Finally, transfer calls! I am leaving Colonia Bombal, and I am going to an area called Krause in San Juan! My companion will be Elder Hoagland from Beaverton, Oregon. I also will have the opportunity to be a district leader. I am super excited to be able to get to know another part of the mission and the people there. The Lord is blessing me!

Funny

This week, we had lunch with the familia anguita. They made a really yummy food called ¨Pastel de Papas.¨ I love that food, so I ate a TON, and they kept telling me to eat more and more. Then, she brought out the dessert. Suddenly, I felt a little rumbly going down in my stomach, so I ran into the bathroom in case I threw up. Then, World War III started, Literally everything came out right there in their bathroom. I was sitting there throwing up for like 3 mins, as more and more came. I was quite impressed with how much came out hahaha. But, then I had to get the mop and clean up the floor, the shower curtain, and the toilet. During lunch on Friday, I lost all missionary dignity hahahaha.

We were playing soccer on Monday, and one Elder got kicked in the leg, and yelled out in pain. Right when he yelled, someone kicked the ball really hard straight into his face hahaha. We couldnt stop laughing.

I Love You All So Much!

Elder Conover