Good Week

Hola a todos!

Esta semana estaba un poco enfermo, pero la obra avanza!

This week I was a little bit sick, but the work advances!

It was really good this week.

Great lessons. Elder Yangali's birthday. Drinking the waters of San Pedro today. A Family History event yesterday. And I don't want to write more because I'm hungry. But, I like to testify, so here it goes.

Fantastic district meeting last Monday! We talked about testimony, and how we can constantly bear testimony to ourselves, as well as others. Like I'd mentioned last week, each day telling myself that I'm a Representative of Jesus Christ, An Instrument in God's Hands, etc... It helps me to have that testimony and knowledge of that truth. Because while we can strengthen testimonies while praying, studying the scriptures and listening to other's testimonies, Brigham Young said that the time we grow our testimonies the most is when we bear them. So I invite you to bear a good testimony to strengthen it, about the gospel and about yourself. Christ never downgraded anyone, He always uplifted. We can do the same for everyone around us, even ourselves.

Tuesday we put a baptism date with Mirian for the 15th, we're going to help her prepare ot receive the blessings of the gospel!

Wednesday was good, when I first was feeling a little under the weather (it's also raining frequently now) We taught a family! Willy and Julia, reference from Hermano Washington, we visited with Hermano Condori. It was awesome!

Thursday we cleaned the patio of Hermano Washington, his wife was in the hospital for the weekend, but is doing much better now. We decided to help them out though and they have a much cleaner patio now! (patio: place inside the walls of the house that's what we normally have our backyard for, sees the sky)

Friday we had a fantastic English class due to a game Elder Yangali taught me, I'll share it when I get home, but it's this "Caballero, dice el caballero que le pase el lapicero al siguiente caballero" And you do it super fast, and in English, and it's missionaries, and if you screw up you're an animal, then have a sickness, and then a defect and then you lose all the way.

It was also Elder Yangali's birthday and that was fun. we threw a small party that was great, he was really happy!

Saturday Vallecito had a BAPTISM!!!!! And I had the honor to be the one baptizing. My first time in my whole life, 3 times with the first being because of not bent knees is pretty good I think. :D But Sister Evaluz is now a member of the true church of God and receiving the blessings of baptism. So amazing!

Sunday was good. Darwin came to church! and We had a good family history event. Then a lesson with the family Condori.

Live the gospel, bear your testimony, share it with yourself, then build up until you're sharing with the world!

--

Hurrah for Israel!

~Elder Fincher

LIMA!

Hola a todos!

Esta semana fui a Lima! Wow, que chevere es esto?!? Sí es, pero no para la clima, solo nubes. Sin embargo, chevere.

So, this week I went to Lima! That was cool! Cloudy, but it was refreshing nonetheless.

Monday we went to Machupitumarca, that was fun, it wasn't the Mountain of 7 Colors like we'd planned, but everyone made it, which is a concern with the other. And it's still giving me material for District Meeting, so we're good. It's cool at Machupitumarca, ruins, a chance to wear my chuyo, which is actually very comfortable. Good pictures and great missionary bonding.

Tuesday I got ready to head to Lima. We also had a lesson before I left, good one too. Wednesday we flew out at 5:40ish in the morning, arrived at 7. Went to immigration, had breakfast then entered and did our stuff, left to the airport. We ate pizza in the airport, roughly 19 bucks each of the 5 pizzas. So, pretty normal for Papa Johns. (yes, there's a Papa Johns in the airport) And then everyone went with someone to look for dessert. Elder Boelter and I (that's right, I saw my MTC companion again!!! And all the rest of our group! just not a great picture with everyone) We were looking at Dunkin' Donuts (that one too) there was a guy at the counter eating his donut and coffee. He also had a spiffy hat, glasses, polka dot bow tie and a blue suit. Yup, a blue suit. Eye catcher, right? So Elder Boelter mentioned that he looked interesting, we kept looking at the prices and waiting to order.

Then this guy started talking to us, told us to come over and chat a second, he had a couple Latino buddies with him, one born in Brazil and I don't know the other guy where he's from. Elder Boelter asked what he was doing in Peru after we established that we're missionaries for two years. He said the last time he was in Peru he was on the mission, but converting people to Catholicism. And then he started telling his friends that the Mormon Program is something amazing, that young men, go around the whole world, sharing their beliefs with everyone. Then he joked that we're not actually elders, I joked that yup, that's right, we're joven ancianos. Or young ancients. He then asked what we were going to get, Elder Boelter said Muchkins (donut holes) he asked how many we needed, 10, then he told one of his friends to buy us how many we needed, his friend then started saying, "okay, how many munchkins do we need, let's go get them."  "He's my papi, he's got all the money"  said the blue suit guy.

Then the sisters came up and he told them, "Guess what, these elders just found four sinners!" (there was an airport guy too) They were confused, but we talked a little bit more, they realized that they were buying us donuts and by the time the purchase was done almost all the 13 missionaries that went to Lima were there with us. They gave us the donuts and we said thanks, I said it was our turn as I handed them contact cards, he started translating the first part then bid us farewell and that if we ever need anything agricultural to get in touch with Alltech. I wouldn't be surprised if they own this company that I've never heard of before. That was a very cool and probably once in a lifetime opportunities. (he gave me ideas for when I grow up too :)  )

Then we went to fly out, ate the donuts, played English Jeopardy a little and went to Cusco again. Then came back to Sicuani Thursday morning. Elder Yangali's shoulder bag had come. He was happy.

 We set a baptismal date with Osias for the 24th, we need to move it for timing because of interview that he lacks and stuff like that. But then Yesterday we set with his brother Obed for the 8th. Conference is the 1st and 2nd, so it's not possible to confirm him on Sunday.

Friday we planned for next week, good English class too, hangman. Saturday we did service for the EQ president, helping make ice cream, I ate 10 roughly, because if they break they don't sell, and yes, we did our best to keep them good, it was disappointing to a person like me with a little OCD to break them. It was so good though! Elder Yangali and Elder Augat at the end had a contest to see who could have their hand in the water that's -20C the longest, Elder Yangali won, something like 15 seconds. Crazies.

Sunday was good, like I said, we visited Obed and had a good lesson with the Condori family.

Now, like I appreciated a friend on their mission doing, now that I've been out for 5 months today, I'll list 5 things I'm glad I did before the mission.

1. Lived the Gospel
2. Graduated seminary, went to institute
3. Went to the Mission prep class
4. Read the scriptures and prayed everyday
5. Studied the language

And 3 things I wish I'd done:

1. Learned to pray more sincerely
2. Learned more about my mission
3. Developed more the key Christ-like attributes

Read the Book of Mormon, be good, live the Gospel.

Hasta la próxima!

--

Hurrah for Israel!

~Elder Fincher

Remember who you are and what you're doing here

Hola a todos!

Espero que han experimentado un parte del Evangelio esta semana y que su vida está mejor por esto. También, recordad que Dios nos ama y quiere nuestro bien, solo necesitamos permitirle.

And so, English time, I hope this week was fantastic and that you got to use the Gospel in your life, remember that God loves us and that He wants our good, we just need to let Him help us.

It was great for us here in Sicuani. Elder Yangali is growing super great, and after our companionship inventory on Friday (for the zone meeting) we have a much better relationship. For future missionaries, plan to ALWAYS do your inventory at the end of weekly planning, it keeps the relationship livable (as witnessed by many missionaries) and it improves it week to week as you do it. For returned missionaries and a los demás, (everyone else) I recommend reading how to do an inventory as found in Preach My Gospel chapter 8 in the middle of the chapter, then do it with those in your life that you spend a lot of time with and/or that you want to improve your relationship with them.

Monday was great, P-day, I sewed my PJ pants that had had a huge hole in them, then we had a great District Meeting talking about pioneers in our lives, in the Gospel or lives or whatever it may be, and how they can help us live better now, even with what they've already done. Think of one, what did they do? How can they still help you today? Example? Council? Something else? They are amazing, our pioneers, they keep helping us, and we can follow their example and be pioneers for others.

Tuesday, A couple good lessons and English class, we learned the Alphabet, and the song! I've offered to the missionaries that any Latino that can learn it will receive a premio, or reward. Simple, but there's been two so far, my companion Elder Yangali and Sister Soto. I'll also get the Gringos who help their companions something too.

Wednesday, English class for missionaries, same as last night, ABCs. We also had a lesson with Darwin, and he's a lot more ready and understanding more about baptism and how it's not perfection, just the first step. It's great and amazing to see people progress. October 8! We also met with the Stake President to coordinate a little, we've got more ideas and plans now.

Thursday, We did more prep for the Invasion tonight, where we sent missionaries with members to look for and visit with less actives or find out that they've moved, stuff like that. We got more ourselves, but the Invasion got 10% of the whole directory!

Friday we had a zone meeting. Some announcements to remind, some with new stuff. The standard of excellence has changed from 1 baptism per month to 2 with one being a male more than 18 years old. It'll be a little hard, but we can do it! Then we had a mission night and taught the plan of salvation with a game, basically this: Choose between Simon 1 and Simon 2. I was Simon 2 Elder Yangali Simon 1. He played fun games and offered at first to give good rewards at the end and fun during. I just offered Sublimes (chocolates) and big boxes of cookies. I had a couple people come to me and we played Simon Says, (Simon Dice) and they had a good bit of exercise for the night... ;) Pick up the chair, pushups, jump, turn around.... etc... Simon 1 played fun games.

At 3 times I said that whoever could bring 1, then 2 then the most people would win the boxes of goodies. So a little chaos, then a winner, when we had two winners we gave them their boxes... of nothing. They didn't like that, but kept playing anyways. I think I said I had one more, with "Verdaderamente tiene algo"(Truly has something) We keep going until I thought the time was right, told them to bring more people and then the person won the box, with truly something in it, AIR! :D ::D :D *diabolical laugh, hahahaha :D :P* We then explained it all, including when the Sisters had offered repentance for those who wanted, we asked the whys of what they did and what they learned. Then Simon 1 gave everyone some really goodies. It was great! Now, for you guys, ponder on that and what can you learn? What are the whys?

Saturday we had 5 lessons!!!! A goal I've had since July I think, that was happy! We also learned that we wouldn't be able to do our plan to go to the Hill of 7 Colors today, that was very sad a discouraging. The Assistants dropped by for interchanges with the zone leaders. It was fun to have them here and we learned a couple good things.

Sunday was good as well, a couple families, always great. Keep smiling, keep learning, and despite discouragement, keep moving and trusting in God and His will and timing, He'll always help you, just ask.

Today we did get to have a p-day of the Zone, we went to Machupitumarca, photos when I can upload them, and then apparently tomorrow I'm off to Lima to finish my validation and immigration and all that.

To end, the thing that really helped me Saturday night, because we got plain out discouraged with the reasons and fact that we couldn't go to 7 Colors today, but something that helped me a lot was a habit I have, where each morning and each night, even if I don't want to, and I did not want to Saturday night, I declare to myself who I am, I am Elder Fincher, I am a Representative of Jesus Christ, I Work Willingly and Diligently, I have Charity and Patience for Everyone, I Teach Repentance and Baptize Converts, I Find Joy in the Service of the Lord and I Speak Spanish Clearly and Fluently. That helped me a ton. It has also helped me improve my focus and who I am, improving myself. I invite you to find your own Declarations for your life, they'll help you. Take a look at 3 Nephi 5:13 or the Title of Liberty for examples, and think about your life for ideas.

Hasta la próxima!

--

Hurrah for Israel!

~Elder Fincher

Keep moving forward

Hola a todos!

This week was good, I was a little weighed down at times, it's actually really surprising that it's taken this long considering all the responsibilities I've taken at a time and what not. But we keep up the Lord's work here in Sicuani, and now I'm feeling a ton better, once we'd leave and teach I'd feel great, but the mornings and nights were a little off. I think partially because my schedule was thrown a little off and I was just a couple minutes out of line, but now I'm back on schedule and back to feeling good. D&C 88:124 is real, apply it to your life to be blessed.

And how the week went down. Monday we played soccer in a park, I got a little stressed out because I felt very out of control and had things to do still. But then as ended up being the topic in the district meeting, I looked for the good in the situation. And I had a fun time playing, I wasn't going to die for not doing the things I wanted to, I have good health and on top of it all, I had a great key for what to talk about in district meeting. Look for the good despite the trials.

We studied some people in the Book of Mormon that we all look to as examples. Alma 26:30, D&C 122:7-9, Moroni 10:34 And Nephi in many cases, the people of Jared as well as those of Alma. All are examples, but they all had tremendous trials. Look for the good and gratitude always.

Later that night we had a lesson with a LA family and a friend of theirs, we'll visit again this Wednesday, it was great. Then Tuesday we set a baptismal date with Tony! The 8th of October! We wants to go with his family if he does get baptized, but that's the point of the gospel! With your family! A couple other good lessons too!

Wednesday we played Jeopardy for English Class, here's a picture of the topics and answers. No one got jousting for 500 for Sports. Or Cricket. Oh well, :D We also set the same date for Darwin! He hadn't accepted back in June for not feeling ready, but now he's willing to try for a date! YAY! We're helping people! Also another lesson with Monica, she's really opening up to us, really shy, but now more interest.

Thursday, We had a lesson with a reference from yesterday, Carmen right next to Sonya & Vicki. She is really interested, just doesn't have the most time, has time, just not a ton. We're going to help her receive the blessings of the Gospel! Also with Monica again.

Friday, a lesson with someone we found while looking for references. It was so loud though from construction, we'll visit more though. And then we planned a super-duper-amazing Mission Night, but we couldn't have it because they cleaned the chapel for a Seventy that came Saturday, we were quite discouraged, but the time works out super well! Because we're going to have a huge activity to visit members this Thursday, and they'll all invite to this Friday night.

Saturday Marco was there when we visited with Candidad! They're becoming more and more interested, they just need a cook super bad for their restaurant. Erica as well and the Family Olivera and later the Family Condori. A really great day!

Sunday good church meetings, attendance before the Sacrament was up, but in total maybe a little down. After ward council we helped update some people in the directory. We've been searching out people to get an idea of who we need to find as less actives, we're almost done with the whole of it for Thursday to be better.

That was this week, we're still learning, we're supporting each other, but seriously, Elder Yangali is super awesome! He has the fire burning a forest fire! He's from Huancayo, but lived in Spain for most of his life since his mom is from Spain. But he's been in Peru recently and a member of 1 1/2 years. Super amazing!

Hasta la próxima!

--

Hurrah for Israel!

~Elder Fincher