Elder Aaron Marsh: Week 55: I am so Blessed!

Hey everyone!

Things went really well this week. We had some really cool experiences!

First of all, I had a companion exchange with Elder Trelles from Ecuador! I went to his area in Bochica and we had a really good time. He’s a really awesome Elder and a really hard worker! We had a funny experience with a guy that looked like a skinny Santa Claus. As we were looking for an address, he stopped us and asked, “Oh, the Mormons! Do you guys have a little bit of time right now?” We told him ´´yeah of course!´´ So we started talking to him and he was bringing up some really strange topics about God. The whole time I was just super confused! He was saying that the bible had been changed so much to the point that it’s now only a story and not the word of God. He also said that women only have 9 of the 10 original commandments. Since I was still really confused at one point I said ´´whoa whoa whoa. Wait a second. I’m super confused. What do you believe in?!?!´´ He started to laugh and continued talking. We needed to head to an appointment so we told him we needed to go. He told us ´´none of you missionaries ever have time!´´ and then left all upset. I don’t know what to say except it was a super interesting experience.

On Thursday, we had a super awesome experience with the spirit. As missionaries, we always come up with a lesson plan before a visit. We went to visit Juan Camilo and his wife, Viviana. We had planned to talk about the Doctrine of Christ and set a baptismal date. During our meeting with them we had a FHE (family home evening) about eternal families. As we started to talk more about the FHE, Juan told us, well I want to get sealed in the temple because I didn’t know I had to get sealed to my family if I want to see them again after this life. And instead of continuing on with the lesson, we decided to talk about marriage. They aren’t married and we were able to invite them to get married AND they accepted! Juan and Viviana had tears running down their face. Juan said that he first needed to ask for forgiveness from his wife for a few things, and I had the strong impression to talk about repentance and it fit so perfectly for them. They were then able to accept a baptismal date for the 22 of Octubre! It was such an amazing and spiritual lesson. Elder Sotoski and I literally leaped for joy when we got home! It was so special.

I really love the mission so much. I am so grateful for ALL the blessings my Father in Heaven has poured upon me. I have learned so much to be able to trust in the guide of the spirit and I have been soo blessed for doing so. What an amazing experience it has been to be here in Colombia, exactly where I am supposed to be.

Thanks for all of your prayers!! You’re all in mine.

With lots of love,

Elder Marsh