This week was really great. Elder Salazar and I worked really hard and found some small neighborhoods outside of the city with lots of people interested to listen. The hardest part will be helping them come to church.
One man, named Alfonso told us about his confusion with the nature of Jesus Christ and God the father in the beginning. A lot of religions think God and Jesus are the same person or that Jehovah is God and Jesus Christ is someone else. When we finished teaching him the first vision of the prophet Jospeh Smith he said something like, "wow thank you for helping me clear that confusion."
We also spoke with a woman named Patricia who had questions about why sometimes great people suffer trials. We spoke about the blessings of following the gospel of Jesus Christ. I don´t know if we answered her question but I feel like she now understands that she can pray to find an answer to that question.
Lastly, we found a young boy named José. I talked about a miracle in the last email where a woman in the street called out to us. We got to meet that family, and the boy that is twelve is really smart in the gospel and wants to be baptized. He visited other religions when he was living outside of Riobamba but he already feels that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church. It has been a few weeks since we´ve had an investigator attend church, but he came and had a really good time. I´m really excited to keep working with him.
Well there have been massive parties here in Riobamba for... the town?... San Pedro...? I don´t really know. But every Sunday for the past 3 weeks there have been lots of people music and beer in the middle of our sector, so it has been really hard to find investigators because everyone is at these parties. Last night we were walking from the northern part to the southern part and there were a couple of people walking towards us who had not taken it easy in the parties. One of them started walking directly towards me so I quickly stepped out of the way and as we passed he lifted his arm as to hit me, but I was already very out of his way. He looked to only be 15. Makes me very glad that I am not struggling with addiction.
Also, we found the Ecuatorian army... of dogs. One of these small neighborhoods has a pass where about 20 or maybe even 30 dogs are resting and waiting to attack whatever person passes. The first time we passed through, two of the dogs almost bit my companion but started attacking each other instead. Then one of the people in the house threw a rock at them and they calmed down. The second time the dogs started to move in on us so I threw a rock and we quickly walked away. Not going there again.
I´ve been thinking a lot about the plan of salvation recently and how it can be compaired to a little boy leaving his home to go to school. At school he learns, he takes tests, and he progresses as a person. Sometimes he has the opportunity to help other young boys and girls to understand the tests and the matieral in the classes. By the time the day is over, he looks back on the long day at school and feels good for the good grades he got and the things he learned, and then he, and all of the other boys and girls get to go home, where a loving father and mother are waiting to love them and bless them for the great things they did at school.
On he bus ride home, they have some time to reflect on the things they did at school, and correct some of their tests.. Obviously, not all of the children followed the rules, but that is why we are here as missionaries to help them understand the class material, and the rules so they can return home victorious to their parents. The great thing is, our father in heaven is always there ready to hear our text messages(prayers). And he is waiting for us at home with open arms.
Really, I am very happy right now. The work is moving along, even though some of our investigators may not be, and the Lord is with us. I love him and this gospel.
Hasta luego!
Elder Cloward
Sorry no pictures this week.
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