My companion prepared a surprise birthday party behind my back.

Hola Amigos! 

So this week was fun, we were able to teach Carmen this week about the word of wisdom, which is God's commandment for health. It was a good one for her because she struggles with diabetes and she was able to commit to receive more blessing from God for her health. She is really happy and every time she talks about her baptism she has a huge grin on her face. 

We also taught Kevin and he's doing really great. He has huge desires to come closer to God.

This week we met with an old family that we hadn't gotten to see in a long time the Padilla family. They were very happy to see us and offered to give us crabs this Friday.

Also I was given a surprise talk on Sunday right before sacrament meeting started, so I scrambled together some ideas I had been thinking about Christmas and shared some stories about some people I had taught before. I like speaking in sacrament meeting. It helps me realize how important the work I've done here has been.

I Also did a lot of fun things for my birthday this week. We bought a lot of food for lunch at a seafood place, and we went to the chapel expecting that a member would give us a reference there but being surprised by a birthday party my companion had shared behind my back. I am very grateful to have Elder Williams as my last companion. He and I understand the mission and life very similarly and he hasn't had as much success in his mission as I have, but he has definitely helped me to have a better outlook on life which I appreciate a lot. 

I love Elder Williams!

Chao!

Elder Cloward

Here are a few pictures from the week.

Understanding agency, an important part of God's plan

Ali chishi tucui llactapuracuna

We had a really good week.

We spent today in a monkey park with caged monkeys and also free monkeys that were just walking around and would jump onto your back or climb on your arms. It was fun. 

We also received a lot of referrals from friends. 

We met a new person named Kevin. He was told about the church by a member who plays volleyball near his house. He is struggling a lot in his life and is looking for more help to get closer to God, and He was soo willing to come to church with us this past Sunday. 

Also we met some family members of a less active member whose name is Nety. Her nephew is living with her and likes the church but isn't interested in making any big decisions yet. 

Carmen who I talked about last week has a date now for December 28th. She was really happy to accept the idea of getting baptized and hopes God helps her with her health and other life problems. I liked seeing her smile when she said that she would prepare to be baptized.

Also the Zambrano family is wanting to help their daughter Griseidi get baptized on that same day.

Sad news, Jazmin and her kids didn't attend church again this week so her baptismal date fell through. She really wants to change, but hasn't yet decided to do it. Although it makes us as missionaries sad, people can choose what they want to do in their lives. This idea of choice is known as agency or moral agency. Agency may be one of the most important parts of God's plan. He created this earth and all of the things on it. He set rules that if followed would get us the most wonderful blessings, but he let us choose if we wanted the blessings and when we are willing to be obedient and qualify for them. Life without agency would be pointless, because everyone would have to wear the color red, eat waffles for breakfast and follow God. Having everyone follow God is not a bad goal, but we lose a lot of personal development if we are obligated to do so. So I am sad that people don't always use their agency well, but I am sure grateful that God lets us choose what we want so we can grow. 

Nos vemos!

Elder Cloward