Hello dear family and friends.

This week went by quickly as expected. Elder Ayala and I had mission leader council meeting on Tuesday, the zone had our last interviews with President Monestel on Thursday, and on Friday Elder Ayala and I had to lead the zone meeting. I feel like I have learned and grown a lot in this week! Each day has been full of experiences.

Unfortunately, two of our investigators that were supposed to get baptized on Saturday couldn't get baptized, because of problems with the Word of Wisdom at the beginning of last week.  They both told us that they fell into temptation, because of pressure from friends, but they have re-commited to live the Word of Wisdom and have a new baptismal date for the 8th of June. They both were a little disappointed in themselves for having given in to the temptation, but we talked about the Atonement of Jesus Christ with them and helped them develop their faith so that the next time the temptation comes they will be able to resist it.

This week, we had mission leader council meeting in Managua, and Sister Monestel talked all about sacrifice. She shared a quote from David O. McKay that I loved. It said something like, "living the gospel is never really a sacrifice because we always receive more than we give." It's so true! Sometimes in our lives we feel like we are sacrificing so much...when really God blesses us with way more than we could ever repay him. It reminds me of Mosiah 2:20-25. Even after all we sacrifice, we could never even come close to all Christ has suffered and sacrificed for us. Elder Ayala and I felt like our zone needed to be willing to sacrifice themselves a little more, and so we talked about sacrifice on Friday in our monthly zone meeting that we have to give. We all committed to looking for small ways to sacrifice more for the Lord. I love the famous quote by Joseph Smith that says: "a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation." Sacrifice is an eternal principle and has always been a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Two years seems like a lot to sacrifice right now, but the eternal blessings that I will receive will ALWAYS be much greater than anything I have given. Looking back at my life, I realize how much more I COULD have sacrificed. Or better said, how much more I SHOULD have sacrificed, having made covenants with the Lord. But even though I have made many mistakes...and even though I have had moments where I haven't been completely faithful, the Lord continues to bless me in more ways than I could ever repay him.

 

This upcoming Wednesday is transfers. We find out early tomorrow morning who has transfers and such...so I won't be able to tell you guys until next week! However, in my interview with President Monestel, he made it sound like I was going to be here one transfer more. I hope to stay here a little longer, but the Lord knows what's best.

Love you all! Talk to you next week.

Elder Parrish