Week 66 (August 21, 2017)

Feliz Dia Arequipa!! Happy Day Arequipa!

This week was a really good week, and we had some pretty cool experiences. 

Friday we had a special multi zone meeting with president, who informed us that even though we are the highest baptising mission in our area, the 70 changed our goal of 150 baptisms to 300 baptisms every month! Doubling our goal, which means doubling ALL of our goals.  Apparently that was where the standard was 10 years ago and so they know its possible. We are excited for the challenge and we have faith that god will help us do so.

Funny story, we went to one of our investigators house for a lesson right before lunch, and they gave us green spagetti with igalo (cow liver) I still will never get used to that, my comp had to help me out), but then we taught them real fast, because then we went to our real lunch! Rice, chicken and a mashed potato type thing and corn... not similar to the states haha. but we were about to pop we were so full, and then they gave us a piece of cake as dessert!! we wanted to throw up after we were so full.

also this week was the independance day of Arequipa! so we celebrating eating things from arequipa peru (thats where my comp is from) 

We had some tender mercys, like trying to find people to teach with out success, then running into an old investigator we have been trying to contact for forever!

Also one cool experience that happened was that on wednesday, we had set appointments every hour and even some every 30 min, and we called in the morning to confirm and everything was set. Well, later as we went to work, one by one they called us or we passed by and literally every single appointment fell through. Thats never happened where they ALL fall through but on the plus we were able to contact a TON of people. Well, the next day started out in a similar way, and at around 6 all of our appointments werent working out either, and a little disapointed, I kind of just laughed and said to my companion ''This is starting to look a lot like yesterday''. Right then we both looked at each other and said Oh No! and ran to go ''knock on wood'' so we wouldnt have bad karma haha. but the wood we knocked on happened to be a door. A girl about 13 anwsered the door and we asked her if she liked to read and explained about the book of mormon. She told us just a sec, and went to get her mom and her other sister and we ended up teaching her family (except her dad who wasnt home) and gave them a Book of Mormon and got a return appointment for today (monday). And we were able to find 3 new investigators. Its funny how everything just works out perfectly. God definetly has his hand in our lives.

This week I have also been focusing no having a ''positive attitude'' in everything we do. And so every morning I say to my comp, ''Today is gonna be a good day.  Wanna know why? Because we are missionary! and god will bless us.''

I am so greatful to be part of gods army in finding those chosen ones who are waiting for the gospel. Even though the mission is litterally like a rollercoaster with tons of ups and downs, I KNOW that this church is true and that everything happens for a reason. I know that the book of mormon is true and I am so greatful for all my many many blessings.

I love you all and dont forget, that even though there will be lots of homework to do and busy activities, please find, I mean, MAKE, time to read the book of mormon EVERY SINGLE DAY!!

Have a beautiful week!!

Hasta luego,

Hermana Smoot