¡Cena Navideña y casí el tiempo de Navidad!

Well, hello there!

This past week was pretty cool. We had a "Cena Navideña (Christmas Dinner)" this past Friday in Quito. We had the chance to receive vaccines for a sickness going around, listen to Elder Walter F. González (of the seventy), and put on skits for all there. We also recieved a gift of little Nativity figures from the Mission President. 

I also had the chance to listen to every talk by Elder Jeffrey R Holland this week. There's 52 (plus one my older brother sent me so 53) and it adds up to less than 30 hours. I expected to here a lot about the Atonement, but it was more about families and Mothers and Fathers and the fact that we can return to a state of love from any place. I wrote down the ones that stood out to me, and would like to share them (though all of them are awesome):

• Sanctify Yourself
• The Other Prodical (that ones really cool)
• "Within the Clasp of Your Arms" and "The Hands of Fathers"
• Look to God and Live
• Miracles of the Restoration
• Our Priesthood Legacy
• "Because She's a Mother" and "Behold Thy Mother" (both great and about mothers)
• "Personal Purity" and "Place No More for the Enemy in My Soul"
• The Tongue of Angels (another cool one)
• None were with Him (very powerful)
• Safety for the Soul
• Because of Your Faith
• We Are All Enlisted
• Laborers in the Vineyard (another very powerful and cool one)
• The First Great Commandment (Great as well)
• "Lord, I Believe"
• Like A Broken Vessel (about depression)
• Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders Among You
• Be Ye Therefore Perfect-Eventually (makes me feel better)

(I plan to do the same with more of our leaders)

  

I feel good. I actually want  to pray my Heavenly Father. I love long prayers, and have tried to make each one different (as to not be boring ;p). Our investigators are progressing, even if it is slowly. Christmas seems to have slown progress a little, but it's still fun. My Spanish is good enough to converse, but there are those days when I'm less patient and feel like I can't speak it, hahaha.

  

I hope y'all's week is great!

  

¡Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año!
Élder Sharp

  

I forgot the stanza for the month of December last week, so:
"Hurrah for Israel! Six months have now passed!
In the service of Him who is both first and last!
I've grown so much;and though I'm a debtor,
I pray and strive every day to be better."

 

 

Six months!

Hello all,

It's been pretty cold this past week. It hasn't rained a whole lot, which is surprising. It was hard, in terms of the work. A lot of people couldn't meet with us, and we didn't find anybody new. The people that had a baptismal date for the 8th haven't been able to get married, so we needed to move the date again.... but aside from that it's been fun. We did Service in Huambalò Saturday, which was harvesting potatoes. they gave us a ton and so we're gonna be eating a lot of potatoes hahaha.

I got my Suit today!!! It's awesome and I'm super grateful to have it.

 

All-in-all, a pretty normal week. I'm really doing well, though apparently I'm thinning out a lot, hahaha. The holiday season is getting to me a little, but prayers help. Hitting my six month day this week made me realize the time is short, which helps battle home-sickness. We are gonna have a Christmas-dinner in Quito this week, so that should be fun.

 

Have an amazing week, and merry Christmas, y'all.

Èlder Sharp

 

 

(inside the jacket - the Ecuador flag!)

 

 

 

Three Weeks Until Christmas! (Más o Menos)

Another week!

This week was more of the same. We did have a Spanish Class on Saturday where I realized just how many contractions there are in English, hahaha. Teaching English is harder than Spanish, in my opinion. Especially here where they don't feel a need to learn it, really. But I was surprised I could speak well enough to even teach it, so there's a bonus.

Today I was able to pay for my new Suit!!  We also went to "Mr. Joy" again and played Laser Tag.

I pray a lot to help me accept teachings and go through trials with grace while I'm here. I've noticed a lot of "hidden pride" that I need to overcome, and I'm grateful for it. Our Heavenly Father really does want the best for us, but sometimes getting to that "best" isn't very fun. But, I like to think that's what separates me from "boy" to "man", so I won't complain.

Have an awesome week, y'all!

Élder Sharp

 

 

Another week

Salutations.

So this week wasn't too different. We had a "barbeque" as an Elder's Quorum activity Saturday; that was fun. We invited some investigators, but they didn't make it. So it was just with members, but fun nonetheless.

My Thanksgiving wasn't too special because they don't celebrate it here; but Christmas, aparently, is HUGE. The decorations and the sales are up as well, hahaha. I got a pair of shoes from a member in Ambato who makes nice, durable shoes for missionaries cheap.  They will go nicely with my new suit. ;)

We are progressing fairly well with a couple families, and my Spanish is a LOT better. I wouldn't say I'm fluent yet, but everyone tells me I'm doing well for only having 6 months on my mission. So I'll continue with faith that even if I can't speak, I speak well enough for the people to understand my purpose hear and the joy that cames from our message.

Have an awesome week and smile a lot! A smile goes a long way, especially in the world we're in right now.

¡Les Quiero!

Élder Sharp

 

 

Baptism and Chontacuros!

Hey Everyone! 

We had a baptism last Saturday! It was a woman who'd been investigating the Church for about 8 years and had decided to be baptized finally. It was awesome to have that opportunity, and I hope to have it many times. We also had a "send off" for one of the members here who's going on a mission to the "Peru Trujiho North Mission". That was cool to see the Branch put that together.

Today we went to Puyo and ate "chontacuros asados" (some kind of worm they eat in El Oriente). The taste wasn't bad, surprisingly. Texture was a bit weird, though. Cuy and chonticuros down. I wonder what else I'll eat here, hahaha. We also went to another zoo, and there were Racoons there! That was funny.

I also found out I'll be in Pelileo for another 6 weeks! That'll make 18 weeks, which is awesome! I'm really excited to be here, because we've got a couple families progressing and my Spanish is better everyday.  I can talk with some measure of confidence now, and I'm learning to laugh at myself when I mess up more. Patience with myself is definatly one of those "things" I'm  learning.

I hope y'all have an amazing Thanksgiving. I'm definitely eternally grateful for my family and those experiences we've had together. Even half the world away, they are helping me through those hard times I've had, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

¡Adios, queridos amigos!

Èlder Sharp

 

Ambato Independence Day

Hello once again!

So this week was good. I was able to download "the Saints" (a book from the church) onto my MP3 player, and that has been really cool. I love history, especially from the Church.

We are working, even with all the opposition. Being on a mission has really challenged me spiritually. Physically, I'm doing fine, but I feel at times I should've been more astute and more upright, that I became too numb before I went. But I know this church is true, and therefore all the promises we have are true as well. That has been awesome.

One of my favorite places here is Chiquicha, with its views and Members. The Members there, though few, are very strong in the Gospel and love the Missionaries. They are all farmers and therefore are humble. It's really cool to work with them and hear their stories.

Today's the Independance Day of Ambato, so when we went there today, a bunch of the roads were blocked off and there was a parade. I don't know the story, but it was cool to see.

Next week are transfers, but we think we are gonna have another together. I don't know if it feels like I've been here for about three months. Time is wierd, haha. Yesterday was Veteran's Day, and anybody that knows me, knows how grateful I am to the veterans' sacrifice for us. So Happy Veteran's Day, y'all.

I'm grateful for this oportunity. And I know it'll be a blessing for my whole life.

Have an amazing week, y'all! ¡Nos Vemos!

Élder Sharp

 

 

 

¡Finados Y CUYYY!

So the past week Pelileo (and I think all of Ecuador) celebrated what's called "Finados" and "Día de los Difuntos (which is the Day of the Dead here). We went to Chiquicha Saturday because we had our Zone Conference Friday (which was awesome as always), and the members there gave us "Pan de Leña", a TON of "Colada Morada", Rice with a peanut sauce, chicken, and CUY!! The cuy tasted like a mix between fish and chicken, which I actually liked.

Today we went to a couple of museums in Ambato and one had a money from every country. In the American section, they had $5 coins, which I've never seen before.

 

The work is fun, I gotta say. I get to see how important God is for others and for my life. I also just found out my brother's going to Mexico!!!! That's awesome and I'm super excited for him.

 A new month, a new stanza: 

"Hurrah for Israel! My work has begun!

I'm ready for trials, bring on the fun!
I give these next two years to my Lord!
I wield the Holy Armour, shield, and sword!

Hurrah for Israel! What more can I say?
May the Refiner's fire light my way!
Awake my soul! Rejoice my heart!
My Lord, please make me as thou art!

Hurrah for Israel! The field is white!
The world is dark, but our light is bright!
Temptations run rampant, the natural man is strong.
But my God is with me, He leads me along!

Hurrah for Isreal! Have faith in Christ!
For when we fall He helps us Rise!
His Atonement is there, and His love is unchanging,
He can calm any storm that´s raging!

 

Hurrah for Isreal and the Blacksmith above!

I´m folded and battered by His perfecting Love!

Through His great care and patience, a sword I will become,

A weapon against the darkness, Until our Savior doth come!

Hurrah for Isreal! I can't understand,

the love the Lord gives with nail-scarred hands.

He does the impossible and shows us the way.

HE'S the one still standing at the end of the day." 

I hope y'all's week is a fantastic one!

¡Hasta La Pròxima!

Èlder Sharp

 

 

¡5 Asistencia!

Hello,
So this past Sunday we had 5 people come to Church!  That was really awesome!  The rest of the week was more of the same. We taught someone in Patate for the first time and that was cool. I read some from "Jesus the Christ" by James Talmage and realize how much I don't know about Jesus. The book is a hard read, but it blows my mind every time I read it.

Today we went to Baños to a place called "La Casa del Arbol" and they had a few things to do there. That was a cool experience, and the swings there are awesome.

As usual, I'm happy to be here. The love I feel in my time here can only be described as "Godlike," and I do my best every day to show that love to the poeple of Pelileo.

Have a great week Y'all!

Élder Sharp 

 

 

¡Hola!

So this week i got sick for the first time on Tuesday. That was annoying because I couldn´t work, so the day drug on. but I prayed a lot and felt good the next day! so there´s another testimony of prayer for y´all. I studied from Jesus´ ministry and realized how awesome it is that we even have those, they help me better model Christ in my life.

 

The work is difficult. Because we are working with real people with real problems, it´s hard to get people to church. But we keep working, because it´s important that people know what Christ did for them.

Not much else happened this week. I'm studying A TON, which is awesome. Ecuador is pretty, and I'm getting more and more used to life as a missionary.  The weather here is kinda funny, because it doesn´t change. so when I try to explain weather in Tennessee, they don´t understand.

¡Espero que tienen una semana genial!

-Élder Sharp

Poem for Mom and Dad

"O my Mother, thou that lovest

me when I need it the most.

With thy teaching and examples 

I have every cause to boast

In our humble, loving family

Thou hast shown me grace and truth.

Though we´ve suffered great afflictions

I´m so grateful for my youth.

O my Father, loving protector

thou hast been there all my life

Thou hast shown me, by example,

How to live and love my wife.

Standing right be-side my mother

thou hast weathered every storm.

When the world was cold and dreary

Hugs and laughter kept me warm

Dearest Mother, Loving Father

Thou hast sacrificed so much

To raise six loving children

who have been under thy watch.

As we grew, we heard thy teachings

and took heed of thy advice:

"Love your family, don't be stupid.

Love your neighbor and be nice."

As we leave this loving house-hold

Bittersweet feelings arise

Though we´re gone, You're never forgotten

and that should come as no surprise.

In times of trial and heartache

We´ll remember all we´ve been told.

For we´re born of goodly parents

As Nephi of old."

A New Transfer

¡Saludes!

This week was not as bad as i thought it would be. My new companion is really cool. Our new area really is humongous, but it is SO pretty.

We´ve got a good amount of people to teach, so that keeps us busy enough. Today we went to Ambato and I bought a guitar! So I´ll be working on that for a while.

I feel the hand of God in my life. I can say that with conviction, without a shadow of a doubt. This is where I´m meant to be, and He wants me to be the best man i can be. There is no greater honor than receiving His help.

¡Tengan una buena semana!

Élder Sharp

P.S. I forgot the monthly poem last week, so here it is so far:

"Hurrah for Israel! My work has begun!
I'm ready for trials, bring on the fun!
I give these next two years to my Lord!
I wield the Holy Armour, shield, and sword!

Hurrah for Israel! What more can I say?
May the Refiner's fire light my way!
Awake my soul! Rejoice my heart!
My Lord, please make me as thou art!

Hurrah for Israel! The field is white!
The world is dark, but our light is bright!
Temptations run rampant, the natural man is strong.
But my God is with me, Her leads me along!

Hurrah for Israel! Have faith in Christ!
For when we fall He helps us Rise!
His Atonement is there, and His love is unchanging,
He can calm any storm that´s raging!

Hurrah for Israel and the Blacksmith above!

I´m folded and battered by His perfecting Love!

Through His great care and patience, a sword I will become,

A weapon against the darkness, Until our savior doth come!"  

 

 

 

Weekend of Change

 

So I found out yesterday I`m going to be staying Pelileo the next transfer and me and my new companion are going to be the only ones here. My area is going to be huge and I`m supposed to be the leader.... but I`m not  trainee any more. The Lord qualifies those he calls, So I`m gonna pray a lot.  

The work is getting better. I`m learning so much and my Spanish is getting better at a surprising rate (I`m sure there's some divine intervention there)

In light of the Prophet`s words in General Conference, I feel like stating that I am not a Mormon. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is an honor to wear His name on my chest Daily. I thank God every day for finding my worthy to be a representative of His church, and I pray every day to remain worthy of that honor.

This is how I become the man I want to be, so I`ll learn all I can.

Hope y`all`s week goes brilliantly.

¡Hasta la próxima ves!

 

Èlder Sharp