Week 19 - A Jiquilisco Christmas

We had changes this week. And I'm sad to say that Elder Ortega got transferred out. Saying goodbye was pretty sad. We had so many good times and we worked hard, he is definitely a friend for life. But I know that the Lord needs him out in San Salvador right now as zone leader so it's okay. My new comp is awesome too. His name is Elder Camilo from the Dominican Republic. He has a super super chill personality (Tranquilo Camilo) but he works really hard. He is only 19 years old and has 10 months in the mission, but he really knows a lot. As a companionship this week, we put down some big goals for this month/change. It is probably my last change in Jiquilisco so I want to leave on a good note. My Spanish continues to make improvements when I am diligent in my studies and write down the words that I don't totally understand throughout the day. I am not quite fluent yet haha, but in about 2 months I should be almost there.

On Saturday evening, we had a stake activity and all the missionaries from the zone were there (including Elder Greer and Elder Caldwell). It was good to see them again, and it was a nice cool night filled with Christmas carols, fireworks, and photos. The activity was just a nice little break that I needed this week haha.

As we have been absolutely grinding this week to find more people, I have really come to rely on the power of prayer. As missionaries we pray together in a companionship more than ten times a day. But also I say a lot of personal prayers to be able to feel the Spirit guide me as a missionary. Wow the power of prayer is real and it helps me everyday. I was reading in the Book of Enos and it talks about how if we have righteous desires and ask in faith, the Lord will answer our prayers I am seeing this in the work a ton right now! Its awesome. Anyway, have a good week everyone. Happy Holidays!! Nos vemos!

-- Elder Jake