I am getting so much better at writting in my journal and that is a big help for me. I feel like I am more open to revelation because I am showing the Lord that I appreciate the spiritual experiences that he is giving me. That has kinda been my theme this week, making an active effort to listen to the promptings of the spirit, which is so important, and sometimes I am ashamed to say that I get a little caught up in the daily tasks and forget a little to make an active effort to listen to the spirit.
Yesterday we went to visit a less active women who lives up " en el punto del cerro" (on the top of the mountain) that is on the back side of our sector... well she doesn´t really live at the very top but, it is still a nice little hike. (although beleive me there are plenty of people that decided to build their house on the top of the mountain and it is always a joy trying to find your way up there). Anyway, we arrived at her house and she invited her daughter (member) and her daughters boyfriend (not a member) to meet with us as well. We practically turned our lesson into a " how to begin teaching session" to help This young man Cesar understand our purpose as missionaries. He was a little hesitant at first, but the moment that we began to teach him a little about the restoration of the gospel a beautiful spirit filled the room. I was a little stunned, not because feeling the spirit is unfamilar, but because it came on a lot stronger than I expected. I felt a distinct impression to make sure that Cesar gave the closing prayer. That was a surprising prompting because Cesar was barely participating, let alone volunteering to give the closing prayer. Well, I put my fears to one side and followed the prompting of the spirit. It was an awkward prayer, a little clumsy and a little uncomfortable because I insisted a little so that he would give it. But, a good feeling of confirmation came over me that I had done the right thing... maybe even like a little " I told you so" As I saw that he was pretty satisfied for having given the prayer.
So, we just gotta trust in the spirit. It will always lead us to good. Honestly, as I come closer to the end of my mission, I realize more and more just how much the lord has blessed me in his work. I have been far from a perfect missionary... but perhaps I was rather hard on myself. Today, as we traveled to a fun ruin sight in valle sagrado (pictures attached) I was talking to my good friend Elder Bentsen (not Jake Bengtzen... although I saw him about a week ago in puno and he is doing dandy, let his parents know!) and he told me something that was very significant. ( Mom and Dad I don´t want to toot my own horn so if you think this is too braggy for the blog take it off) He told me, " I don´t know if you realize just how many people look up to you, I heard all about you even before I had met you. Everyone told me that you were just a kind good missionary." It hit me so hard. I felt the spirit. I am grateful for that good feeling that basically let me know that, I have met the Lord´s expectations for me, and that is all of the satisfaction I need to know that I have done my best in serving him during my full-time mission.
There is still so much to go! And I am grateful for it. I love you all so much! Have a great week!
Elder Neff
If you can´t tell these brown things are inca salt mines... the Incas are the Bomb I can´t even believe it. In another life if I could have been any type of Native American I would have been an incan. Hands down.
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